Editorial Book

Book Title: Applied Entomology and Zoology (Volume 1)

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 10-Aug-2026 | Pages: 70-87 | Doi : 10.37446/volbook082024/70-87

Research on Insects and Animals that Impact Human Health, Focusing on Vectors of Diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, Zika Virus, and Emerging Infectious Diseases

• A. J. Bhorgin Lourdu Mary
• Assistant Professor of Zoology, PG & Research Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.


• Sujatha Ilangovan
• Assistant Professor of Zoology, PG & Research Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Medical entomology is the study of arthropods of medical importance and their role in transmitting infectious diseases. Vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, sand flies, tsetse flies, fleas, lice, mites, and black flies transmit pathogens including protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and helminths, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. Climate change, urbanization, globalization, environmental changes, insecticide resistance, and human migration have altered vector ecology, increasing the spread and emergence of vector-borne diseases. Understanding vector biology, ecology, and pathogen transmission is essential for predicting disease dynamics and developing effective control measures. Medical entomology combines principles from zoology, parasitology, microbiology, epidemiology, molecular biology, and environmental sciences to improve disease prevention and control. This chapter outlines the biology of medically important arthropods, mechanisms of pathogen transmission, epidemiology of major vector-borne diseases, factors affecting vector competence, and current vector control strategies. It also highlights Integrated Vector Management (IVM) and recent technological advances that support sustainable vector control and global public health.

Keywords

Arthropod vectors, vector biology, vector competence, vector-borne diseases, malaria, dengue, vector control, Integrated Vector Management

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