Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases
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Publications
A Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva) (Insecta: Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)
IN1091/EENY 625 by Maria C. Carrasquilla and Phillip E. KaufmanAugust 26, 2021A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management
A Sand Fly, Lutzomyia shannoni Dyar (Insecta: Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotomine)
IN797/EENY 421 by Rajinder S. Mann, Philip E. Kaufman, and Jerry F. ButlerAugust 26, 2021A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management
Chagas Disease: A Review of Vector-Borne Transmission by Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)
IN1412/ENY2104by Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. BucknerJuly 13, 2023Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions. In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.
Vector-Borne Rickettsia Pathogens
IN1418/ENY-2107by Yuexun Tian, Phillip E. Kaufman, and Cynthia C. LordApril 22, 2024The genus Rickettsia contains species that are important in human health as they cause several serious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This publication summarizes the human-disease-causing pathogens in the genus Rickettsia in the United States and delivers general knowledge of their vectors and the diseases they cause. Prevention and management of disease-causing Rickettsia species, mainly for vector control agencies and entities, are also discussed. This publication is written for audiences of all ages and with any educational background and serves as a resource for public education.
