Insect Vectors of Bacterial Pathogens: A Schematic Review of Transmission Dynamics and Public Health Implications

Insect vectors play a critical role in the transmission of bacterial pathogens that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This comprehensive review examines the current understanding of transmission dynamics between insect vectors and bacterial pathogens, focusing on the physiological, ecological, and environmental factors that facilitate disease spread. We analyze the diverse mechanisms of transmission employed by major insect vectors including mosquitoes, flies, lice, fleas, and ticks, highlighting both historical context and emerging public health threats. The review explores the complex interactions between bacterial pathogens and their arthropod vectors, from initial infection and persistence within the vector to successful transmission to human hosts. Special attention is given to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in vector-borne bacterial diseases and the potential role of insects in disseminating resistance genes. Additionally, we discuss the impact of climate change, urbanization, and global travel on the expanding geographic range of vector-borne diseases. The public health implications are substantial, with vector-borne diseases collectively accounting for more than 17% of all infectious diseases globally. This review synthesizes current knowledge on intervention strategies and identifies critical gaps in understanding that merit further research. By integrating perspectives from entomology, microbiology, and public health, this review aims to inform more effective strategies for prevention, surveillance, and control of insect-vectored bacterial diseases.