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A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Vector-Borne Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 14633

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Dr. Jeronimo Alencar

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Laboratório de Diptera, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
Interests: culicidae; ecology; biology; taxonomy; vectors; yellow fever; malaria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sergio Lisboa Machado

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Laboratório de Diagnóstico Molecular e Hematologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
Interests: virology; infectious diseases diagnostics; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change has left deep marks on our planet, and one of its most concerning consequences is the expansion of vector-borne diseases. Many of these diseases remain neglected, challenging our scientific and public health efforts. Traditionally common in tropical regions, these illnesses are expanding their geographical distribution, driven by environmental changes and anthropogenic actions such as unplanned urbanization and biodiversity loss.

Among the examples that directly affect humans, we highlight malaria, filariasis, leishmaniasis, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. In the field of zoonoses and veterinary diseases, notable examples include dirofilariasis, bovine anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and animal trypanosomiasis. These challenges require an integrated and innovative scientific response.

Therefore, we launch this Special Issue, focused on studies addressing the multiple aspects of vector-borne diseases. We invite researchers to contribute articles that explore advancements in diagnosis, epidemiology, entomology, prevention strategies, and new technologies for monitoring and controlling vectors.

With the expertise of our colleagues, we can make a difference in understanding and mitigating these emerging threats and help with tackling global issues that affect humans, animals, and ecosystems.

Dr. Jeronimo Alencar
Dr. Sergio Lisboa Machado
Guest Editors

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Keywords

insects
vector borne diseases
environment
human neglected diseases
zoonoses
diagnostic
epidemiology
entomology

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Single-Center Experience

by Melis Deniz, İsa An, Kerim Parlak and Hasan Tezer

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11030071 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 520

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with leishmaniasis. Methods: This retrospective study included pediatric patients (>1 month–18 years) diagnosed with leishmaniasis at Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital between January 2022 and January 2024, identified from electronic medical records. Results: Among patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, fifty pediatric patients were evaluated. Plaques (n = 34, 68%) and ulcerative lesions (n = 8, 16%) were the most common lesion types, with the face and neck being the most frequently affected sites (n = 34, 68%). The number of previously used antibiotics was statistically significantly higher in the multiple-lesion group compared to the single-lesion group (p = 0.022). Conclusions: Clinicians should consider cutaneous leishmaniasis in children with plaque or ulcerative skin lesions and a history of travel to an endemic area. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent long-term damage and cosmetic issues, leading to improved patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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14 pages, 3636 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Dynamics Versus Vertical Stratification of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest Remnant, Brazil: A Focus on the Mansoniini Tribe

by Cecília Ferreira de Mello, Wellington Thadeu de Alcantara Azevedo, Shayenne Olsson Freitas Silva, Samara Campos Alves and Jeronimo Alencar

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020039 - 30 Jan 2026

Viewed by 661

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) exhibit vertical stratification patterns in forest environments, a fundamental ecological aspect for understanding niche occupation patterns, host-seeking behavior, and consequently arbovirus transmission mechanisms. Despite the relevance of this topic, available studies mostly focus on genera such as Aedes, Haemagogus, and Sabethes which are traditionally associated with arbovirus transmission. There are still important gaps regarding stratification and seasonality in the Mansoniini tribe, whose biology and epidemiological role remain underexplored, especially in highly biodiverse ecosystems such as the Atlantic Forest. This study evaluated the influence of seasonality and vertical stratification on the mosquito community, with a detailed focus on the Mansoniini tribe, in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Brazil, between May 2023 and December 2024. Captures were performed monthly using CDC light traps positioned at 1.5 m and 10 m heights, and specimens were morphologically identified. A total of 880 mosquitoes from nine genera and 24 species were captured, of which 91 (10.3%) belonged to the Mansoniini tribe. The most abundant species were Coquillettidia fasciolata and Mansonia titillans, recorded in both strata. Our results indicate no marked vertical segregation for the studied mosquito community in this specific location, but a strong influence of seasonality, particularly for the Mansoniini tribe, reinforcing the role of meteorological data on the population structure of these species. These site-specific findings offer a foundational ecological portrait and a robust methodological template for a neglected taxon. They generate critical, testable hypotheses about niche partitioning in fragmented forests and underscore the necessity for broader spatial replication to disentangle the relative influence of seasonal versus vertical drivers in similar ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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11 pages, 513 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a TaqMan qPCR Method for Detecting Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Rhabditida: Angiostrongylidae) Infection in Snails from Hainan Province, China

by Kun Wang, Tian Tian, Yunhai Guo, Muxin Chen, Xiaonen Wu, Zhiying Hou, Binbin Xie, Fanna Wei, Zhiheng Qi, Zhisheng Dang, Dingwei Sun, Yang Hong, Jun-Hu Chen and Yue Wang

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020034 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 676

Abstract

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis) is the primary causative agent of human angiostrongyliasis and is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and China, with increasing reports from the Americas. Achatina fulica (A. fulica), Pomacea canaliculata (P. canaliculata), and slugs constitute established intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis, whereas Camaena hainanensis (C. hainanensis) has been newly reported as a host species in Hainan. A TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) method assay targeting a novel genomic region of A. cantonensis was developed to detect infection in 150 snails collected from Hainan Province, China. The assay was employed to detect the parasite larvae across various snail tissues (lung sac, mucus, and foot), and its performance was compared with conventional lung sac microscopy. Out of the 120 A. fulica examined, 75 tested positive using the qPCR assay, yielding a significantly higher detection rate than lung-sac examination (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in the positivity rates across the three snail tissues (lung sac, mucus, and foot) (p < 0.05), with the lung sac showing the highest rate of infection. Importantly, the detection of A. cantonensis DNA in snail mucus highlights its potential for development as a non-invasive diagnostic sample. Additionally, C. hainanensis was identified as a new host of A. cantonensis in Hainan, suggesting its possible contribution to parasite transmission. The newly developed qPCR assay demonstrated superior sensitivity (reflected by lower Ct values) compared with previously published TaqMan qPCR methods. The established qPCR method provides a sensitive and non-invasive tool for detecting A. cantonensis in snails, and can be applied for monitoring and early warning of parasite prevalence and transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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9 pages, 484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prognostic Significance of CRP/Albumin, D-Dimer/Albumin, D-Dimer/Fibrinogen Ratios and Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: A Prospective Observational Study

by Nurten Nur Aydın and Murat Aydın

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(10), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10100287 - 9 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Background: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic viral infection with high mortality rates. This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of new-generation inflammatory markers—CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), D-dimer/albumin ratio (DAR), D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio (DFR), and triglyceride-glucose index (TGI)—in predicting mortality among patients diagnosed with CCHF. Methods: This prospective study involved 76 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction test for CCHF and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy controls between 15 April 2023 and 15 October 2024. Participants’ demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at presentation were recorded. Results: CAR, DAR, DFR, and TGI levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, when mortal cases were compared with survivors, all of these markers were found to be significantly higher in the mortal group (p = 0.005, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, survival time was significantly shorter in patients with higher levels of these parameters (p < 0.001 for all). In the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis conducted to differentiate mortal cases from survivors, DFR and TGI were identified as the markers with the highest predictive power (area under the curve: 0.938 and 0.899, respectively). Conclusions: Inflammatory markers CAR, DAR, DFR and TGI may serve as significant prognostic tools to predict mortality in CCHF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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11 pages, 1043 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seroprevalence and Risk Factor for Canine Tick-Borne Disease in Urban–Rural Area in Ayacucho, Peru

by Jime Rivera Villar, Ivonne Aquino Escalante, Saúl Chuchón Martínez, Rilder Gastelú Quispe, Ruth Huamán de la Cruz, Aide Sandoval Juarez, Giovanna Mendoza Mujica and Nyshon Rojas Palomino

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(9), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10090271 - 19 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are endemic to tropical and subtropical regions and pose significant zoonotic threats to both human and animal health. This study aimed to detect anti-Ehrlichia canis, anti-Borrelia burgdorferi, and anti-Anaplasma antibodies in dogs from the rural–urban area of Huamanga, Ayacucho. The cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas of the Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga between May and August 2023. Samples were collected via venipuncture, and antibody detection was performed using the immunochromatographic assay Anigen Rapid CaniV-4 kit. Frequencies, percentages, and statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS^® software package. A total of 107 samples from dogs in the Covadonga Human Settlement were analyzed, comprising 64 (59.8%) males and 43 (40.2%) females. The majority (78.5%) were from mixed-breed dogs, while other dogs breed included Schnauzers, Pekingese, and Pitbulls. Thirty positive samples were identified, with antibodies against Ehrlichia canis (15.9%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys (3.7%), mixed infections of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys (6.5%), and Ehrlichia canis/Borrelia burgdorferi (1.9%) detected, as well as an association between vector exposure and the presence of Ehrlichia canis antibodies. These findings underscore the urgent need for the implementation of integrated control strategies and enhanced surveillance programs targeting tick-borne diseases in high-risk areas, along with targeted educational campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership and preventive measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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Review

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11 pages, 268 KB

Open AccessReview

Ten Years of Congenital Zika Syndrome: From Outbreak to a Decade of Clinical, Therapeutic, and Preventive Advances in a Tropical Disease Context

by Fabrício Silva Pessoa

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(5), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11050124 - 6 May 2026

Viewed by 434

Abstract

A decade has elapsed since the first recognized cluster of congenital anomalies associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) was reported in Brazil in 2015, culminating in the formal delineation of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) as a specific pattern of birth defects. This narrative review examines the ten-year trajectory of CZS as a tropical infectious disease, from its initial emergence and public health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2016, through evolving epidemiological, clinical, and scientific understanding. CZS is characterized by a spectrum of severe neurological manifestations—including microcephaly, subcortical calcifications, malformations of cortical development, ventriculomegaly, and corpus callosum abnormalities—alongside ophthalmic, auditory, and musculoskeletal complications. Transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, ZIKV disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, underscoring its nature as a quintessential tropical disease linked to poverty, inadequate vector control, and health inequity. Over ten years, substantial advances have been made in understanding ZIKV pathogenesis, neurodevelopmental outcomes, diagnostic criteria, and multidisciplinary clinical management of affected children. In the therapeutic and preventive domain, over 45 vaccine candidates have been identified, with 16 reaching Phase 1 or 2 clinical trials by late 2025, though no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral therapy yet exists. This review contextualizes CZS within the broader framework of neglected tropical diseases, evaluates its global and family-level burden, and critically appraises progress and remaining gaps in clinical care, vaccination, and vector control over the past ten years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

14 pages, 347 KB

Open AccessReview

Is Ghana Prepared for Another Arboviral Outbreak? Evaluating the 2024 Dengue Fever Outbreak in the Context of Past Yellow Fever, Influenza, and COVID-19 Outbreaks

by Godfred Amoah Appiah, Jerry John Babason, Anthony Yaw Dziworshie, Abigail Abankwa and Joseph Humphrey Kofi Bonney

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10070196 - 15 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4417

Abstract

Arboviruses are a growing concern in many nations. Several reports of arboviral outbreaks have been recorded globally in the past decade alone. Repeated arboviral outbreaks in developing countries have consistently highlighted vulnerabilities in disease surveillance and response systems, exposing critical gaps in early detection, contact tracing, and resource allocation. The 2024 Dengue fever outbreak in Ghana, which recorded 205 confirmed cases out of 1410 suspected cases, underscored the urgent need to evaluate the country’s preparedness for arboviral outbreaks, given the detection of competent vectors in the country. A retrospective analysis of Ghana’s 2009–2013 pandemic influenza response plan revealed significant deficiencies in emergency preparedness, raising concerns about the country’s ability to manage emerging arboviral threats. This review assessed Ghana’s current arboviral outbreak response and preparedness by examining (a) the effectiveness of vector control measures, (b) the role of early warning systems in mitigating outbreaks, (c) laboratory support and diagnostic capabilities, and (d) community engagement strategies. It highlights the successes made in previous outbreaks and sheds light on several gaps in Ghana’s outbreak response efforts. This review also provides recommendations that can be implemented in many countries across Africa as they brace themselves for any arboviral outbreak. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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Other

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44 pages, 3221 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dengue and Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review

by Matteo Riccò, Antonio Cascio, Luca Pipitò, Marco Bottazzoli, Paolo Manzoni, Lilian Romina Brandolisio, Cecilia Nobili and Pasquale Gianluca Giuri

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(12), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10120330 - 24 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

Dengue fever typically presents as a febrile illness, and acute pancreatitis has been reported as a rare complication. Limited evidence exists regarding clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes, particularly on the distinction between acute interstitial pancreatitis and acute necrotizing pancreatitis. This systematic review was therefore designed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD420250631013) in order to characterize the clinical spectrum of dengue virus (DENV)-associated acute pancreatitis by recollecting available case reports from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, MedRxiv, and BioRxiv Case reports and case series, which were included if they described laboratory-confirmed DENV infection and met the diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis. Seventy cases of DENV-associated acute pancreatitis were identified, mostly from Asia (78.6%) and South America (17.1%). Patients were predominantly male (62.9%), with a mean age of 31.6 years. Acute interstitial pancreatitis was more common (65.7%) than acute necrotizing pancreatitis (34.3%). Acute necrotizing pancreatitis was associated with leukocytosis, pancreatic collections, multiorgan and respiratory failure, prolonged hospital stay, and higher mortality (25.0% vs. 4.3% for acute interstitial pancreatitis). Overall, the case fatality was 11.4%, and survival analysis demonstrated significantly worse outcomes for acute necrotizing pancreatitis. In summary, clinicians should maintain awareness of this complication, as early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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9 pages, 1057 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in a Reactive Blood Bank Sample in Sonora, Mexico

by Idalia Paredes-Sotelo, Mónica Reséndiz-Sandoval, Adriana Garibay-Escobar, Edgar Alfonso Paredes-González, Aracely Angulo-Molina, Angel Ramos-Ligonio, Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera and Olivia Valenzuela

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10040104 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 2204

Abstract

Chagas disease is a neglected disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, a public health problem in both endemic and non-endemic countries. In Mexico, the southern region is considered endemic, and cases are frequently reported; however, in the northwestern region, only a few cases are confirmed annually. This study describes, for the first time, the Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) of Trypanosoma cruzi in a volunteer blood donor rejected for being reactive in the northwestern region of Mexico. Seroreactivity was confirmed using “in-house” ELISAs which employed three different antigens: total extract from Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from a vector (Triatoma rubida) from Sonora (strain T1), strain H1 and CL-Brener. The molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi was conducted by amplifying satellite DNA by qPCR and posterior sequencing of the mini-exon gene, using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to enhance the accuracy of genetic characterization. The results show that the reactive status of this blood donor was confirmed using our in-house ELISAs, and the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi by detecting TcI DTU confirmed the infection status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges)

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