Emerging Arboviruses

Emerging infectious diseases in humans are of great concern to public health and a majority (approx.75%) of them are zoonotic in nature. Up to one third of these emerging diseases are caused by vector-borne pathogens, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2017). The introduction of West Nile virus into the United States, introduction of Bluetongue virus serotype 8 into ruminant livestock in Europe, outbreaks of Rift Valley fever in Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula and the introduction of African Swine fever virus to Europe and Asia are examples of the recent emergence of arboviruses into animal and human populations. Emerging or re-emerging vector-borne diseases are an important Global One Health concern. Understanding the virus-vector-host interactions in its natural environment is necessary to develop effective diagnostic and control strategies. This collection will provide a unique compilation of recent advances in research and mitigation strategies for emerging and re-emerging arboviruses of veterinary/agricultural and public health concern (such as viruses from the family Asfarviriadae, Flaviviridae, Phenuiviridae, Reoviridae and Togaviridae) and will provide scientists up-to-date information on these diverse pathogens and their insect vectors.

This Research Topic will focus on:

1) immunomodulatory effects of saliva on host defense,
2) changes in host/vector protein expression following infection,
3) host/viral factors important for replication in mammalian host and arthropod vector,
4) virus population dynamics following replication in mammalian host/arthropod vector,
5) ecological factors important for spread of virus,
6) reduction of vector populations by repellents, genetically modified mosquitoes and etc.,
7) technological advances for detection of arboviruses,
8) advances in traditional and new approaches to mitigate the spread of these arthropod-borne viruses (such as vaccine and/or vaccine delivery).