Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases and Public Health Challenges

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 January 2026 | Viewed by 3887

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
Interests: culicidae; ecology; biology; taxonomy; vectors; yellow fever; malaria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
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

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1043 KB  
Article
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
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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 [...] Read more.
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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14 pages, 347 KB  
Review
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
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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 [...] Read more.
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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9 pages, 1057 KB  
Brief 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
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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 [...] Read more.
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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