Unravelling insect vector diversity: genetic and phenotypic insights from the Global South

Abstract

The concept of the Global South emerged to promote collaboration among countries, mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, on political, economic, environmental, technical, and health issues (1). Among its most persistent health challenges are vector-borne diseases, whose dynamics are closely linked to the ecology, genetics, evolution, and diversity of their insect vectors (2–4). Many insect species function as biological and mechanical vectors, transmitting viruses, parasites and bacteria (5), and can even act as parasites themselves (6). Despite extensive control efforts targeting dengue, malaria, Zika and Chagas disease, among others, these infections continue to impose a considerable burden on public health systems and local communities (7, 8).

The remarkable environmental heterogeneity and high transmission rates make the Global South a key region for exploring relationships between genetic variation, phenotypic adaptation, and disease ecology. Strengthening our understanding of the genetic and phenotypic variability of vectors - such as mosquitoes, triatomines and flies - is essential to elucidate how these traits influence transmission patterns. This knowledge is particularly relevant in a world where climate change (9) urbanization (10), landscape transformations (11), and political or sanitary instability continuously challenge the implementation and sustainability of integrated vector control strategies (12)