Reframing Critical Needs in Vector Biology and Management of Vector-Borne Disease

Ellis Mckenzie,Shirley Luckhart,Steven W Lindsay,Thomas W Scott,Anthony A James

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000566

Abstract

Reframing Critical Needs in Vector Biology and Management of Vector-Borne Disease

Highlights

Recent advances in empirical, methodological, and theoretical aspects of vector biology are an impetus for reexamining critical research needs aimed at improving human health
Identifying Central Issues in vector-borne disease (VBD) Control. Despite these well-intended recommendations, VBD prevention continues to be challenged by incomplete coordination among individuals with complementary expertise, inability to implement long-term solutions, and reluctance to embrace the complexity of vector biology and pathogen transmission systems in intervention strategies
An example is La Casa Segura or ‘‘the safe home’’ concept [19], an intervention based on delivery of insecticides into domestic dwellings, which are assumed to be the primary site of human–insect interaction and pathogen transmission

Summary

Background

Methodological, and theoretical aspects of vector biology are an impetus for reexamining critical research needs aimed at improving human health. Recommendations can be distilled to five major needs: (1) novel intervention tools (e.g., new public health insecticides, biological control agents, and genetics-based instruments [11,12]); (2) improved disease prevention strategies (e.g., integrating different vector control strategies and combining vector control with other prevention tools, such as drugs and vaccines, to attack multiple VBDs [1,13]); (3) enhanced surveillance methods and data analysis; (4) broader integration of scientific subdisciplines (e.g., vector biology, clinical research, natural and social environmental biology); and (5) expanded training opportunities [12,14] Despite these well-intended recommendations, VBD prevention continues to be challenged by incomplete coordination among individuals with complementary expertise, inability to implement long-term solutions, and reluctance to embrace the complexity of vector biology and pathogen transmission systems in intervention strategies. The meeting format emphasized: (1) redefining common challenges and opportunities across a range of VBDs; (2) initiating and sustaining strategically planned interactions among investigators within and among a diversity of research areas; and (3) developing a working list of research areas that merit increased attention

A Challenge Issued

Conclusions