Current Topics In Vector Research

Vector transmission of pathogens affecting human, animal, and plant health continues to plague mankind both in industrialized and Third World coun tries. The diseases caused by these pathogens cost billions of dollars an nually in medical expenses and lost productivity. Some cause widespread of food-and fiber-producing plants and animals, whereas others destruction present direct and immediate threats to human life and further development in Third World countries. During the past 15 years or so, we have witnessed an explosive increase in interest in how vectors acquire, carry, and subsequently inoculate dis ease agents to human, animal, and plant hosts. This interest transcends the boundaries of anyone discipline and involves researchers from such varied fields as human and veterinary medicine, entomology, plant pa thology, virology, physiology, microbiology, parasitology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, ultrastructure, biophysics, bio systematics, biogeography, ecology, behavioral sciences, and others. Ac companying and perhaps generating this renewed interest is the realization that fundamental knowledge of pathogen-vector-host interrelationships is a first and necessary step in our quest for efficient, safe methods of disease control.

Current Topics in Vector Research is based on the premise that to un derstand the whole, one must first understand the component parts and how they interact. Here in Volume 4, as well as in future volumes, vector, pathogen, and host will be treated both individually and as integral parts of multifaceted transmission systems. It is our intention to present up-to date, coherent syntheses of the latest findings in vector research, suggest promising frontiers for future research, and call attention to possible prac tical applications of our present understandings of pathogen-vector-host interactions. To realize our goals, we invite world-renowned, veteran sci entists as well as neophytes to report on their individual areas of expertise. Where appropriate, authors are encouraged to draw conclusions and pro pose hypotheses that stimulate additional thinking and research or oth erwise further our understanding of vector transmission cycles and how such cycles might be interrupted. It is our hope that readers will agree that we are serving these objectives and creating a milieu for specialists and generalists in vector research to maintain rapport and understanding.

Entomology, plant pathology and virology are a few of the disciplines covered by this well-reviewed series. It also covers the spectrum of vectors from mosquitos and leafhoppers to nematodes, and pathogens from viruses to mycoplasmas to protozoa. Articles deal with the emerging science of vector ecology, and consider both biotic and abiotic environmental influences on disease transmission. As a form to present current thinking in this field, the series is an important resource for researchers and students involved in understanding and overcoming the many vector-borne diseases of plants, animals, and humans.

This 6th volume of the ECVD series reflects on the progress of GVCR. The introduction and concluding chapters of the book have been written in collaboration with WHO.