About this Research Topic
Mosquito-borne arboviruses of public health importance are a diverse group of viral pathogens that are transmitted to humans through the bite of certain species of arthropods of the Culicidae family. Infection with mosquito-borne arboviruses results in diseases ranging from sub-clinical to febrile, arthritic, encephalitic, and hemorrhagic diseases. The past five decades have witnessed a record increase in the number of epidemic diseases caused by mosquito-borne arboviruses. This has also changed the traditionally low priority given to arbovirus research as arboviruses are now recognized as significantly contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Evolution of these viruses has continually resulted in changes in vector competence, virus transmissibility, and disease severity. Climate change has also been speculated to alter the distribution and burden of mosquito-borne arboviral diseases because of the effects of temperature and rainfall on the abundance and distribution of the mosquitos.
Large population sizes, rapid replication, and high frequencies of mutation contribute to the adaptation of mosquito-borne human arboviruses to fluctuating environments. However, the exact evolutionary processes responsible for changes in host range are poorly understood. Furthermore, a proper understanding of the mechanisms utilized by mosquito-borne human arboviruses to simultaneously evolve in alternate hosts is essential. Recent advances in experimental microbial evolution aid our understanding of these mechanisms of fitness and trade-offs in the pathogens. Studies on virus evolution and epidemiology are also necessary to provide updates on the current status of mosquito-borne arboviruses responsible for recent epidemics and to mitigate future occurrences. The varying outcomes observed in human infections with these viruses depending on the physiological and immunological status of the host as well as the strain of the pathogen need to be properly elucidated by studies on host-virus interactions. Although several attempts have been made to produce predictive models on how climate relates to disease outbreaks, the impact of anticipated climate changes on mosquito-borne human arbovirus infection is yet to be fully explored. The goal of this research topic is to assemble current insights on mosquito-borne human arboviruses, especially with regards to virus evolution, adaptation, pathogenic differences, and host/vector interactions.
In this research topic, we welcome original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, mini-reviews, and brief research reports presenting novel findings and or advances in the following themes:
• Viral evolution and epidemiology
• Virus- virus interactions
• Host virus interactions
• Vector competence and transmission
• Impact of climate/environment on arbovirus infection
Large population sizes, rapid replication, and high frequencies of mutation contribute to the adaptation of mosquito-borne human arboviruses to fluctuating environments. However, the exact evolutionary processes responsible for changes in host range are poorly understood. Furthermore, a proper understanding of the mechanisms utilized by mosquito-borne human arboviruses to simultaneously evolve in alternate hosts is essential. Recent advances in experimental microbial evolution aid our understanding of these mechanisms of fitness and trade-offs in the pathogens. Studies on virus evolution and epidemiology are also necessary to provide updates on the current status of mosquito-borne arboviruses responsible for recent epidemics and to mitigate future occurrences. The varying outcomes observed in human infections with these viruses depending on the physiological and immunological status of the host as well as the strain of the pathogen need to be properly elucidated by studies on host-virus interactions. Although several attempts have been made to produce predictive models on how climate relates to disease outbreaks, the impact of anticipated climate changes on mosquito-borne human arbovirus infection is yet to be fully explored. The goal of this research topic is to assemble current insights on mosquito-borne human arboviruses, especially with regards to virus evolution, adaptation, pathogenic differences, and host/vector interactions.
In this research topic, we welcome original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, mini-reviews, and brief research reports presenting novel findings and or advances in the following themes:
• Viral evolution and epidemiology
• Virus- virus interactions
• Host virus interactions
• Vector competence and transmission
• Impact of climate/environment on arbovirus infection
Keywords: Arboviruses, virus evolution, host virus interaction, vector competence, climate change
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
