Genetic, Environmental, and Climatic Drivers of Emerging Arboviruses and Public Health Implications

Abstract submission deadline

20 November 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

20 January 2027

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The epidemiology of arboviral infections is undergoing profound changes in response to complex interactions among viral genetics, environmental disturbances, and climate variability. Arboviruses such as Dengue virus (DENV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Yellow Fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), and the increasingly significant Oropouche virus (OROV) have shown expanding geographical distribution, evolving pathogenic profiles, and unexpected clinical severity in recent years.

These changes are influenced not only by the natural biology of the viruses and their vectors but also by anthropogenic environmental alterations—including deforestation, unplanned urbanization, and biodiversity loss—as well as climate change, which is altering vector habitats, transmission seasons, and population vulnerability.

We invite contributions that investigate viral evolution and genomic variation, vector ecology and adaptation, anthropogenic environmental disturbances, and the effects of climate change on transmission patterns. Special attention will be given to how these forces influence outbreak dynamics, disease severity, and the capacity of health systems to respond. Comparative studies exploring the co-circulation of arboviruses, differential diagnostic challenges, and spillover potential are also welcome.

Submissions may include original research, systematic reviews, viewpoints, modeling studies, and case reports. Comparative analyses across different pathogens or regions are encouraged, as are studies that highlight the public health implications of emerging arboviruses for vulnerable populations such as neonates, pregnant women, and those in socioeconomically or environmentally fragile settings.

This Topic aims to foster collaboration among virologists, entomologists, public health professionals, environmental scientists, and epidemiologists, ultimately supporting more integrated approaches to surveillance, prevention, and preparedness in the face of growing arboviral threats. By bridging disciplines and focusing on both upstream (environmental and genetic) and downstream (clinical and systemic) determinants of arbovirus emergence, we aim to promote a comprehensive understanding that can inform policy and practice in a rapidly changing global health landscape.

Prof. Dr. André Ricardo Ribas Freitas
Prof. Dr. Pedro María Alarcón-Elbal
Prof. Dr. Luciano Pamplona de Góes Cavalcanti
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	8.5	2004	29.5 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease tropicalmed	2.6	4.7	2016	22.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	20 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Infectious Disease Reports idr	2.4	6.0	2009	34.1 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Pathogens pathogens	3.3	6.8	2012	14.1 Days	CHF 2200	Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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All IJERPH TropicalMed Microorganisms Infectious Disease Reports Pathogens

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Open AccessArticle

Complete Genome Sequences of Human Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype V Isolates in Korea Reveal Genotype-Specific Amino Acid Signatures

by Seung-Rye Cho, Ye-Ji Lee, Myung Guk Han and Heui Man Kim

Pathogens 2025, 14(12), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14121279 - 12 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus causing severe neurological disease across Asia, and genotype V (GV) is now predominant in Korea. Despite frequent detection of GV in mosquitoes, human-derived complete genome data remain scarce. To elucidate the molecular and antigenic [...] Read more.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus causing severe neurological disease across Asia, and genotype V (GV) is now predominant in Korea. Despite frequent detection of GV in mosquitoes, human-derived complete genome data remain scarce. To elucidate the molecular and antigenic characteristics of human GV infections, cerebrospinal fluid samples from unvaccinated patients positive for JEV RNA during 2018–2023 were subjected to virus isolation in LLC-MK2 cells (rhesus monkey kidney-derived epithelial cell line). Three human GV isolates (K18P80, K23P84, K23P88) were successfully obtained and their complete open reading frames (~10.3 kb) sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis with representative JEV strains (GI–GV) revealed that these isolates form a distinct lineage, clustering into two domestic clades (Clade I and II), suggesting endemic circulation and local evolution in Korea. Sequence identities with GIII-based vaccine strains were low (79% nucleotide, 91.1% amino acid), with notable divergence in nonstructural regions. Three consistent E protein substitutions (Q52E, S156T, D292E) near antigenic epitopes indicate possible immune escape. Additional clade-defining substitutions in NS3 (L31F) and NS5 (K269R, M330I) were shared with mosquito isolates, supporting human–vector molecular continuity. These findings provide fundamental genomic evidence of human JEV GV in Korea and highlight the need for genotype-specific surveillance and next-generation vaccine evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic, Environmental, and Climatic Drivers of Emerging Arboviruses and Public Health Implications)

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21 pages, 382 KB  

Open AccessReview

Vectors on the Move: How Climate Change Fuels the Spread of Arboviruses in Europe

by Giulia Carbone, Giulia Boiardi, Claudia Infantino, Daniela Cunico and Susanna Esposito

Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092034 - 30 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3981

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases (VBDs), which are expanding in range and intensity worldwide. Europe, traditionally considered low-risk for many arboviral infections, is now experiencing autochthonous transmission of pathogens such as dengue, [...] Read more.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases (VBDs), which are expanding in range and intensity worldwide. Europe, traditionally considered low-risk for many arboviral infections, is now experiencing autochthonous transmission of pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, and leishmaniasis. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and milder winters have facilitated the establishment and spread of competent vectors, including Aedes, Anopheles, Phlebotomus, and Culex species, in previously non-endemic areas. These climatic shifts not only impact vector survival and distribution but also influence vector competence and pathogen development, ultimately increasing transmission potential. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between climate change and VBDs, with a particular focus on pediatric populations. It highlights how children may experience distinct clinical manifestations and complications, and how current data on pediatric burden remain limited for several emerging infections. Through an analysis of existing literature and reported outbreaks in Europe, this review underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, integrated vector control strategies, and climate-adapted public health policies. Finally, it outlines research priorities to better anticipate and mitigate future disease emergence in the context of global warming. Understanding and addressing this evolving risk is essential to safeguard public health and to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, in a rapidly changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic, Environmental, and Climatic Drivers of Emerging Arboviruses and Public Health Implications)

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