Vectors are organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another, spreading viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause human illness. Annually, vector-borne infections are responsible for over 700,000 deaths, with arthropod vectors contributing significantly to the global burden of infectious disease. Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous arthropods that act as disease reservoirs due to their ability to carry and spread pathogens. In particular, Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex mosquitoes principally present in tropical and…

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Infectious diseases constitute one of the leading causes of death globally, killing over 6 million people per year. These diseases are caused by bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens, which can be transmitted between humans, through vectors, or from animals. Over 60% of identified human pathogens are zoonoses, diseases transmitted between animals and humans, highlighting the role of wildlife in infectious diseases and outbreaks. Both wildlife and domesticated animals serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Reservoirs…

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Infectious diseases constitute one of the leading causes of death globally, killing over 6 million people per year. These diseases are caused by bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens, which can be transmitted between humans, through vectors, or from animals. Over 60% of identified human pathogens are zoonoses, diseases transmitted between animals and humans, highlighting the role of wildlife in infectious diseases and outbreaks. Both wildlife and domesticated animals serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Reservoirs…

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“With the exception of safe water, no other modality… has had such a major effect on mortality reduction and population growth.” – Susan and Stanley Plotkin, Vaccine 5th ed (2008).1 In 1979, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the deadly disease smallpox, which had killed an estimated 300 million people worldwide in the 20th century alone, to be eradicated2. Presently, other lethal diseases, such as measles and polio, that were historically responsible for millions of…

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