Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Disease vectors and their associated pathogens are found across a wide range of environments around the globe, placing more than half of the human population at risk and directly impacting nearly a quarter of the world’s population each year. Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases. Furthermore, arboviruses represent 37% of all emerging human diseases, with 75% of new emerging diseases originating in animal populations. Arthropods including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies constitute the most recognized disease vectors, and efforts to control their populations result in a tremendous public health burden. In fact, climate change models predict that new and emerging vector-borne diseases will rapidly increase and greatly impact human health, owing to potential changes in weather patterns and temperature that are conducive to increases in vector populations, the expansion of available vector breeding habitats, and decreases in pathogen incubation periods. Spatial ecology incorporating aspects of epidemiology, disease ecology, arthropod vector ecology, and zoonoses provides an important context for understanding vector-borne diseases, directly incorporating temporal and/or spatial components for analyzing trends and patterns among hosts, pathogens, and vectors.

The goal of this topic, “Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses”, is to publish manuscripts that directly incorporate scale (time and/or space) into understanding vector-borne disease patterns and processes and, ultimately, how these patterns and processes potentially impact human and/or animal health. Manuscripts may focus on disease vectors, arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, vector-borne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, emerging diseases, mathematical/statistical modeling, etc., provided that spatial epidemiology and disease vectors are functionally incorporated into the thesis of the manuscript. Manuscripts that incorporate a One-Health perspective are particularly welcome.

Dr. Chad L. Cross
Dr. Louisa Alexandra Messenger
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Infectious Disease Reports idr	2.4	6.0	2009	33.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Insects insects	2.9	5.6	2010	18.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	8.5	2004	27.8 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Pathogens pathogens	3.3	6.8	2012	13.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease tropicalmed	2.6	4.7	2016	20.6 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Zoonotic Diseases zoonoticdis	-	-	2021	27.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Infectious Disease Reports Insects IJERPH Pathogens TropicalMed Zoonotic Diseases

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13 pages, 5923 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Biological and Molecular Characterization of Five Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) Isolates from the State of Hidalgo, Mexico

by Yessenia Montes-Vergara, Alberto Antonio-Campos, José Miguel Padilla-Valdez, Erick Abraham Contreras-López, Julio Cesar Noguez-García, Nancy Rivas and Ricardo Alejandre-Aguilar

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(5), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10050122 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 586

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, exhibits great genetic diversity, which has been related to its biological properties. However, these are poorly known in strains from the endemic area of Hidalgo. To assess the parasite’s virulence, we evaluated parasitemia, mortality, [...] Read more.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, exhibits great genetic diversity, which has been related to its biological properties. However, these are poorly known in strains from the endemic area of Hidalgo. To assess the parasite’s virulence, we evaluated parasitemia, mortality, and tropism in thirteen organs of CD1 mice during the acute phase of infection. For genotyping, we amplified the mini-exon gene from T. cruzi DNA using PCR. All five isolates were identified as belonging to DTU TcI. The peak of parasitemia occurred between 25 and 29 days post-infection. The Tultitlán and Olma isolates did not cause any mouse deaths, whereas Ixcatépec produced 100% mortality. Mice infected with the Barrio Hondo isolate exhibited the highest parasitemia, while those infected with Cuatecomaco had the lowest. The five isolates generated varying degrees of infection and chronic inflammation; only two isolates triggered acute pancreatitis and myocarditis. No amastigote nests were found in the hearts of mice infected with the Ixcatépec isolate. Our findings suggest that the damage caused by T. cruzi strains from Hidalgo may extend beyond cardiac lesions in the acute phase of Chagas disease regardless of their classification as TcI and variability in parasitemia levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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18 pages, 3924 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Current and Future Spatial Distribution of the Aedes aegypti in Peru Based on Topoclimatic Analysis and Climate Change Scenarios

by Alex J. Vergara, Sivmny V. Valqui-Reina, Dennis Cieza-Tarrillo, Candy Lisbeth Ocaña-Zúñiga, Rocio Hernández, Sandy R. Chapa-Gonza, Erick A. Aquiñivin-Silva, Armstrong B. Fernández-Jeri and Alexandre Rosa dos Santos

Insects 2025, 16(5), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050487 - 2 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

Dengue, a febrile disease that has caused epidemics and deaths in South America, especially Peru, is vectored by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Despite the seriousness of dengue fever, and the expanding range of Ae. aegypti, future distributions of the vector and disease [...] Read more.

Dengue, a febrile disease that has caused epidemics and deaths in South America, especially Peru, is vectored by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Despite the seriousness of dengue fever, and the expanding range of Ae. aegypti, future distributions of the vector and disease in the context of climate change have not yet been clearly determined. Expanding on previous findings, our study employed bioclimatic and topographic variables to model both the present and future distribution of the Ae. aegypti mosquito using the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). The results indicate that 10.23% (132,053.96 km²) and 23.65% (305,253.82 km²) of Peru’s surface area possess regions with high and moderate distribution probabilities, respectively, predominantly located in the departments of San Martín, Piura, Loreto, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas, and Cusco. Moreover, based on projected future climate scenarios, it is anticipated that areas with a high probability of Ae. aegypti distribution will undergo expansion; specifically, the extent of these areas is estimated to increase by 4.47% and 2.99% by the years 2070 and 2100, respectively, under SSP2-4.5 in the HadGEM-GC31-LL model. Given the increasing dengue epidemic in Peru in recent years, our study seeks to identify tools for effectively addressing this pressing public health concern. Consequently, this research serves as a foundational framework for assessing areas with the highest likelihood of Ae. aegypti distribution in response to projected climate change in the second half of the 21st century. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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8 pages, 206 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommentary

Clinical and Occupational Predictors of Mortality in Ebola Virus Disease: A Commentary from the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018–2020)

by Jean Paul Muambangu Milambo and Charles Bitamazire Businge

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030071 - 18 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Background: This commentary analyzes demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) outcomes during the 2018–2020 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: A total of 3477 EVD cases were included. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate Cox [...] Read more.

Background: This commentary analyzes demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) outcomes during the 2018–2020 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: A total of 3477 EVD cases were included. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical outcomes and patient characteristics. Comorbidity estimates and healthcare worker (HCW) occupational exposure data were incorporated based on the literature. Results: The median age was 26.5 years (SD = 16.1), with the majority (59.7%) aged 20–59. Males represented 51.3% of the cohort. Most patients (81.8%) worked in occupations that were not disease-exposing. Overall, 450 patients (12.9%) died. Although comorbidities initially appeared predictive of mortality (unadjusted HR: 3.05; 95% CI: 2.41–3.87), their effect was not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.87–1.59; p = 0.301). The strongest predictor of death was clinical status at admission: patients classified as “very sick” had an alarmingly high adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 236.26 (95% CI: 33.18–1682.21; p < 0.001). Non-disease-exposing occupations were also associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.33–2.31; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite improvements in outbreak response, mortality remains disproportionately high among patients presenting in critical condition and those outside the health sector. These findings underscore the importance of early detection strategies and enhanced protection for all occupational groups during EVD outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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16 pages, 810 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Rickettsioses Seropositivity in Malaysia: A Six-Year Trend, 2016–2021

by Bee Yong Tay, Fashihah Sherina Abdul Hadi Sabri, Zamtira Seman, Norlela Othman, Haida Subakir, Zahrul Laili Abd Hadi, Adilahtul Bushro Zaini, Norli Anida Abdullah, Nur Anisah Mohamed, Mohammad Yazid Abdad and Siti Roszilawati Ramli

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(8), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10080205 - 24 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Rickettsioses are diseases caused by obligate intracellular non-motile coccobacilli transmitted via arthropods. The most common rickettsioses are scrub typhus (ST), typhus group rickettsioses (TGR), and spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR). This study aims to provide information and insight into rickettsioses seropositivity among [...] Read more.

Background: Rickettsioses are diseases caused by obligate intracellular non-motile coccobacilli transmitted via arthropods. The most common rickettsioses are scrub typhus (ST), typhus group rickettsioses (TGR), and spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR). This study aims to provide information and insight into rickettsioses seropositivity among suspected patients in East and Peninsular Malaysia over a six-year period from 2016 to 2021. Methodology/Principal Findings: Data obtained from four state hospitals and one national research institute providing rickettsial serological testing were analyzed using the IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software program. The six-year analysis revealed that ST had the highest number of seropositivity cases, followed by TGR, and SFGR, for both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Of the 3228 samples, 21.6%, 16.1%, and 13.9% of suspected patients were IgM seropositive for ST, TGR, and SFGR, respectively. IgG seropositivity for ST was 21.9%, followed by TGR at 21.4%, and SFGR at 17.2% among suspected rickettsioses cases. All regions in Malaysia were significantly associated with IgM seropositivity for ST, TGR, and SFGR. IgM seropositivity for SFGR was significantly higher in females. Age group 41–65 years was highly associated with IgG seropositivity for ST, TGR, and SFGR. Conclusions/Significance: Analysis of six-year data on ST, TGR, and SFGR seropositivity in Malaysia revealed variations across regions, age groups, and genders. This seropositivity study underscores ST, TGR, and SFGR as possible causes of acute febrile illness among patients suspected of rickettsial disease in Malaysia. The findings contributed to the awareness of reemerging rickettsioses and warrant public health interventions that may reduce the incidence of rickettsioses in Malaysia. Abstract summary: Scrub typhus (ST), typhus group rickettsioses (TGR), and spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) are significant global public health concerns. Our results showed that the highest number of IgM and IgG seropositivity cases was observed for ST, followed by TGR and SFGR. All regions in Malaysia were significantly associated with IgM seropositivity for ST, TGR, and SFGR. East Malaysia exhibited significantly higher seropositivity for ST, TGR, and SFGR than other regions in Malaysia. IgM seropositivity for SFGR was significantly higher in females. The age group 41–65 years was highly associated with IgG seropositivity for ST, TGR, and SFGR. This study highlights the value of serological data in uncovering the hidden burden of disease in Malaysia. In addition, the findings contributed to bridging knowledge gaps on the limited data from Malaysia spanning extended periods, despite being one of the countries in the endemic Tsutsugamushi Triangle. The findings from this study may direct future research on rickettsioses and warrant public health interventions in Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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16 pages, 2718 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Severe Scrub Typhus with Acute Kidney Injury: Urine PCR Evidence from an East Coast Malaysian Cluster

by Siti Roszilawati Ramli, Nuridayu Arifin, Mohd Fahmi Ismail, Shirley Yi Fen Hii, Nur Suffia Sulaiman, Ernieenor Faraliana Che Lah and Nik Abdul Hadi Nik Abdul Aziz

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(8), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10080208 - 25 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Scrub typhus (ST) is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) infection, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected chiggers. The clinical presentations range from mild to life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction. This report describes a cluster of ST cases involving five oil [...] Read more.

Background: Scrub typhus (ST) is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) infection, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected chiggers. The clinical presentations range from mild to life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction. This report describes a cluster of ST cases involving five oil palm estate workers in Pekan district, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: The clinical history, laboratory, and entomological investigation were conducted on the patients, including the index case and four suspected cases in the cluster. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for OT and genotyping were performed on the patients’ blood and urine samples. Serological testing by indirect immunoperoxidase (IIP) test against Rickettsial diseases was also conducted. Principal Findings: Patients presented with fever, myalgia, headache, rash, cough, and eschar. The index case developed severe ST complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and respiratory distress, requiring intubation and ventilation at the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. ST was confirmed through PCR analysis of a urine sample, showcasing a novel diagnostic approach. The other four cases were confirmed by a four-fold rise in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers. Conclusions: Oil palm estate workers are at high risk for chigger exposure in Malaysia. Awareness among clinicians and the public of ST is crucial for effective prevention, accurate diagnosis, and optimal management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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14 pages, 2299 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Dengue in the State of Pará and the Socio-Environmental Determinants in Eastern Brazilian Amazon

by Brenda Caroline Sampaio da Silva, Ricardo José de Paula Souza e Guimarães, Bruno Spacek Godoy, Andressa Tavares Parente, Bergson Cavalcanti de Moraes, Marcia Aparecida da Silva Pimentel, Douglas Batista da Silva Ferreira, Emilene Monteiro Furtado Serra, João de Athaydes Silva Junior, Luciano Jorge Serejo dos Anjos and Everaldo Barreiros de Souza

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17040099 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 422

Abstract

Background: The Amazon biome exhibits complex arboviral transmission dynamics influenced by accelerating deforestation, climate change, and socioeconomic inequities. Objectives/Methods: This study integrates official epidemiological records with socioeconomic, environmental, and climate variables by applying advanced geostatistical methods (Moran’s I, SaTScan, kernel density estimation) combined [...] Read more.

Background: The Amazon biome exhibits complex arboviral transmission dynamics influenced by accelerating deforestation, climate change, and socioeconomic inequities. Objectives/Methods: This study integrates official epidemiological records with socioeconomic, environmental, and climate variables by applying advanced geostatistical methods (Moran’s I, SaTScan, kernel density estimation) combined with principal component analysis and negative binomial regression to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue incidence and its association with socio-environmental determinants across municipalities in Pará state (eastern Brazilian Amazon) from 2010 to 2024. Results: Dengue incidence showed an overall decline but with marked epidemic peaks in 2010–2012, 2016, and 2024. The spatial analysis revealed significant clustering (Moran’s I = 0.221, p < 0.01), with persistent high-risk hotspots across most of Pará. Of 144 municipalities, 104 exhibited significant dengue risk, while 58 maintained sustained transmission. Negative binomial regression model identified key determinants: illiteracy, low urbanization, reduced GDP, and climate variables. Conclusions: Dengue transmission in the Amazon is driven by synergistic socio-environmental disruptions, necessitating intersectoral policies that bridge public health surveillance, sustainable land-use governance, and poverty alleviation. Priority actions include targeted vector control in high-risk clusters, coupled with integrated deforestation and climate monitoring to predict outbreak risks. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing multisectoral interventions tailored to the territorial and socio-environmental complexities of vulnerable Amazonian regions for effective dengue control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

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