Arboviruses: Viruses Transmitted by Arthropods
Arboviruses, also known as arthropod-borne viruses or vector-borne viruses, are a group of viruses that are transmitted by various species of insects and other arthropods. This class of viruses includes many pathogens that can cause various diseases in both animals and humans.
Arboviruses are zoonotic, meaning they typically circulate in the wild between animal and insect vectors, but can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected insect. Some of the more well-known arboviruses include dengue, yellow fever, hikungunya, West Nile, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
Arboviruses typically replicate within the body of insect vectors without harming them, and are then transmitted to a new host during blood feeding. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and midges act as carriers of these viruses. Viruses can be present in the saliva of insects or transmitted through their blood.
Once transmitted to humans, arboviruses can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including fever, joint pain, headaches, rashes, and other symptoms, depending on the specific virus. Some arboviruses, such as West Nile virus, can cause severe neurological complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Control of arboviral infections is challenging. Vaccines are only available for certain arboviruses, such as yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis. Generally, preventive measures include control of insect vectors, such as applying mosquito control treatments, using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding areas where insects live.
The study of arboviruses and their transmission by insects is an important area of medical and scientific research. Understanding the mechanisms of transmission and propagation of these viruses may help develop new methods for the prevention and treatment of arbovirus infections and help control epidemic outbreaks associated with these pathogens.
In conclusion, arboviruses are a group of viruses that are transmitted by insect vectors and can cause various diseases in humans and animals. Studying these viruses and their transmission is important for the prevention and control of arbovirus infections. Preventative measures such as insect vector control and available vaccines play a key role in reducing the risk of disease. Despite the challenges posed by arboviruses, the scientific and medical communities continue to work to develop new strategies and methods to combat this group of viruses.
We have all encountered ARVI, which does not pose any particular danger. But there is a group of diseases that can lead to complications and even death. And these diseases are arboviral infections.
First, let's briefly understand the terms: what is the reason for all this? Many have already heard that a viral infection differs from a bacterial one; the former is in many ways similar to the latter, but does not cause purulent tissue inflammation. That is why the term “Arbovirus infection” is most correctly divided into bacteria and viruses. In the first case, we are talking about diseases caused by a group of parasites, popularly called “mud fleas” (Pubic lice, Cockroaches, Gadflies). They are sometimes also called "Swamp Fleas". This also includes such common infections as filariasis, malaria, Panama fever, as well as Chaguela disease, hemorrhagic jaundice, intestinal schistosomia and others. Bacteria rarely cause severe illness.
Another group of the “World Wide Web” (ciliates, amoebas, mosquitoes, ticks, flies) prefer to infect the human body. Such infections are called arboviral diseases. They are caused by arboviruses - small round representatives of the external environment. Transmission of such infections occurs through insect bites or a sick person whose saliva contains pathogenic microorganisms. Tourists who go on hikes are often susceptible to infections. As a rule, such representatives of the species diversity of the animal world like
Arthropod-borne viruses, or arbovirus infection, refer to a group of viral infections transmitted by arthropods through their bites, salivation (biting), or ingestion (fecal-oral mechanism).
In the world as a whole, there are a large number of arthropod species that transmit arboviruses. About half of the types of West Nile fever, yellow fever, Chikungunya virus and some other pathogens of tropical hemorrhagic fevers are widespread. In the past, many of these viruses were little known. Now, thanks to epidemic surveillance, certification by geographic source and analysis of ecosystems, it can be argued that their range has expanded, and the number of arthropods has increased significantly. Increasingly, these insects are causing problems in countries with temperate climates and