Vector and pathogen surveillance in south Texas: Understudied vector species

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a minority-serving institution located in the south Texas trans-border region. The unique south Texas environments support vector species that are found in few other areas of the United States. The effects of changing climate on vector distribution, along with the recognition of many emerging and re-emerging vector-borne pathogens in recent years reflect the need for vector ecology research and improved vector management strategies. Current work in the recently-established Vector-borne Disease Ecology Laboratory focuses on better understanding vector, host, and pathogen interactions that contribute to vector-borne disease cycles in south Texas. Many native vector species in south Texas remain understudied, and little is known about the roles of many in the maintenance and transmission of vector-borne pathogens. South Texas is a hotspot for diseases such as tick-borne relapsing fever and murine typhus, but these disease systems require further study. Efforts are underway to screen tick and flea species for Rickettsial pathogens. Collaborative investigations of vector-host interactions have resulted in new host detections for the javelina flea, including the first reported detection of fleas on nilgai. Our ongoing soft tick research suggests the presence of cryptic species or species complexes that may be associated with human pathogens. Efforts are underway to collect and screen tick samples for tick-borne pathogens such as Hepatozoon and relapsing fever group Borrelia. These studies will help to better understand vector-borne disease dynamics and improve disease prevention efforts for human, companion animal, livestock, and wildlife health.