Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases

Valerie T. Nguyen, Olivia R. Magaletta, andYoosook Lee

The genus Anopheles, the marsh mosquitoes, comprises approximately 500 species, only a few of which are capable of transmitting malaria parasites. With the global consorted efforts to eliminate malaria, some regions and countries are in or are approaching the malaria elimination phase, but residual malaria transmissions still linger in other, malaria pre-elimination countries. These transmissions may be vectored by lesser-known mosquito species such as Anopheles squamosus, one of the most abundantly caught anopheline species in malaria vector surveillance studies in southern African countries. Though An. squamosus is predominantly recognized as a zoophilic species, it has been discovered to be highly anthropophilic in certain areas, particularly in Southern Zambia. Additionally, Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of human malaria, has been detected in An. squamosus. These factors position An. squamosus as a potential primary vector of malaria in some pre-elimination zones.

Nathan Burkett-Cadena

This publication provides an in-depth profile of Culicoides paraensis Goeldi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a species of biting midge also sometimes called sand flies and no-see-ums, found throughout forested areas of North and South America. In the Amazon Region of South America, this species is the only confirmed vector of a potentially deadly human pathogen, Oropouche virus, which is spreading beyond its endemic range.  Culicoides paraensis is relevant to Florida due to its propensity to bite humans and its potential to transmit a human pathogen. This profile is intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Yuexun Tian, Phillip E. Kaufman, and Cynthia C. Lord

The genus Rickettsia contains species that are important in human health as they cause several serious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This publication summarizes the human-disease-causing pathogens in the genus Rickettsia in the United States and delivers general knowledge of their vectors and the diseases they cause. Prevention and management of disease-causing Rickettsia species, mainly for vector control agencies and entities, are also discussed. This publication is written for audiences of all ages and with any educational background and serves as a resource for public education.

Maria C. Carrasquilla and Phillip E. Kaufman

The true sand flies are densely covered with setae, have long slender legs, and broad and pointed wings that are held erect at rest. Several phlebotomine species are vectors of the protozoan parasites in the genus Leishmania, that are the causal agents of leishmaniasis. Visceral leishmaniais is the most severe form of the disease, and is fatal to the human or dog host if untreated.

Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. Buckner

Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions.  In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.

Rajinder S. Mann, Philip E. Kaufman, and Jerry F. Butler

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management