Vector-borne diseases remain a global health challenge, with significant impacts on human and animal populations. Recent advances in vector microbiota research have highlighted the complex interactions between vectors and their microbial communities, unveiling novel opportunities for disease control strategies. Understanding these dynamics can pave the way for innovative interventions to mitigate vector competence and pathogen transmission.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and reviews exploring the roles of vector microbiota in disease ecology and control. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the collection seeks to advance the understanding of microbiota-mediated mechanisms and their potential applications in developing sustainable vector management solutions.

We welcome submissions on, but not limited to:
• Microbiota-Pathogen Interactions in Vectors: Studies examining how microbial communities influence pathogen acquisition, replication, and transmission in vectors.
• Microbiome Manipulation for Vector Control: Research on engineering vector microbiota for reducing pathogen load or vector fitness.
• Role of Environmental Factors on Vector Microbiota: Investigations into how environmental conditions (e.g., climate, urbanization) shape vector microbiota and impact disease dynamics.
• Emerging Techniques in Vector Microbiota Analysis: Advances in metagenomics, transcriptomics, and other tools for characterizing vector-associated microbiota.
• Endosymbionts as Tools for Disease Mitigation: Focus on the use of endosymbionts like Wolbachia in blocking pathogen transmission.
• Cross-Species Microbiota Comparisons: Comparative studies on microbiota across different vector species and their implications for control strategies.
• Microbiota and Vector Immunity: Exploring the links between vector immune responses and their microbiome.
• Impacts of Anthropogenic Changes on Vector Microbiota: Effects of urbanization, agricultural practices, and pollution on vector microbiomes.
• Case Studies in Microbiota-Based Disease Control: Examples of field applications and real-world impacts of microbiota-targeted interventions.
• Ethical and Regulatory Challenges in Microbiota Research: Discussion on the ethical, ecological, and regulatory considerations in deploying microbiota-based vector control strategies.

Impact

Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

Vector Biology