Microbial control of arthropod-borne disease.
Arthropods harbor a diverse array of microbes that profoundly influence many aspects of host biology, including vector competence. Additionally, symbionts can be engineered to produce molecules that inhibit pathogens. Due to their intimate association with the host, microbes have developed strategies that facilitate their transmission, either horizontally or vertically, to conspecifics. These attributes make microbes attractive agents for applied strategies to control arthropod-borne disease. Here we discuss the recent advances in microbial control approaches to reduce the burden of pathogens such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, and Trypanosome and Plasmodium parasites. We also highlight where further investigation is warranted.
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Galveston, TX, USA.
Miguel A
MA
Saldaña
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Galveston, TX, USA.
Shivanand
S
Hegde
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Galveston, TX, USA.|University of Texas Medical Branch, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston, TX, USA.|University of Texas Medical Branch, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, Galveston, TX, USA.|University of Texas Medical Branch, Center for Tropical Diseases, Galveston, TX, USA.
Grant L
GL
Hughes
D000818:Animals; D001179:Arthropod Vectors / Q000382:microbiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D064307:Microbiota / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*