Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) significantly impact global child health, with mosquito-transmitted infections like malaria and arboviruses accounting for a substantial portion of this burden. However, other arthropod-borne diseases—transmitted by vectors such as ticks, fleas, sand flies, lice, and tri...

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Autori principali: Giulia Carbone, Amina De Bona, Dragos Septelici, Alessandro Cipri, Andrea Nobilio, Susanna Esposito
Natura: Articolo
Lingua:inglese
Pubblicazione: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Serie:Pathogens
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Accesso online:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/6/553
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author Giulia Carbone
Amina De Bona
Dragos Septelici
Alessandro Cipri
Andrea Nobilio
Susanna Esposito
author_facet Giulia Carbone
Amina De Bona
Dragos Septelici
Alessandro Cipri
Andrea Nobilio
Susanna Esposito
author_sort Giulia Carbone
collection DOAJ
description Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) significantly impact global child health, with mosquito-transmitted infections like malaria and arboviruses accounting for a substantial portion of this burden. However, other arthropod-borne diseases—transmitted by vectors such as ticks, fleas, sand flies, lice, and triatomine bugs—also pose serious health risks to children worldwide. This review specifically excludes mosquito-borne diseases to concentrate on these less-discussed yet clinically important pediatric VBDs. We examine their clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of children, including immature immune systems, behavioral factors, and communication barriers that can delay diagnosis. Additionally, we explore how environmental and anthropogenic factors, such as climate change and urbanization, are expanding the geographic range of these vectors, leading to the emergence of diseases like Lyme disease and leishmaniasis in new regions. By focusing on non-mosquito VBDs, this review aims to raise awareness and inform healthcare providers and public health practitioners about the comprehensive landscape of pediatric vector-borne diseases.
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spelling doaj-art-080202abdecf466bb58aea4334725c192025-06-25T14:17:01ZengMDPI AGPathogens2076-08172025-06-0114655310.3390/pathogens14060553Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral InfectionsGiulia Carbone0Amina De Bona1Dragos Septelici2Alessandro Cipri3Andrea Nobilio4Susanna Esposito5Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyPediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyPediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyPediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyPediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyPediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyVector-borne diseases (VBDs) significantly impact global child health, with mosquito-transmitted infections like malaria and arboviruses accounting for a substantial portion of this burden. However, other arthropod-borne diseases—transmitted by vectors such as ticks, fleas, sand flies, lice, and triatomine bugs—also pose serious health risks to children worldwide. This review specifically excludes mosquito-borne diseases to concentrate on these less-discussed yet clinically important pediatric VBDs. We examine their clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of children, including immature immune systems, behavioral factors, and communication barriers that can delay diagnosis. Additionally, we explore how environmental and anthropogenic factors, such as climate change and urbanization, are expanding the geographic range of these vectors, leading to the emergence of diseases like Lyme disease and leishmaniasis in new regions. By focusing on non-mosquito VBDs, this review aims to raise awareness and inform healthcare providers and public health practitioners about the comprehensive landscape of pediatric vector-borne diseases.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/6/553vector-borne diseasesarthropod bitestick-borne diseasessandfly-transmitted diseasesbedbug infestationsflea-borne infections
spellingShingle Giulia Carbone
Amina De Bona
Dragos Septelici
Alessandro Cipri
Andrea Nobilio
Susanna Esposito
Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
Pathogens
vector-borne diseases
arthropod bites
tick-borne diseases
sandfly-transmitted diseases
bedbug infestations
flea-borne infections
title Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
title_full Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
title_fullStr Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
title_full_unstemmed Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
title_short Beyond Mosquitoes: A Review of Pediatric Vector-Borne Diseases Excluding Malaria and Arboviral Infections
title_sort beyond mosquitoes a review of pediatric vector borne diseases excluding malaria and arboviral infections
topic vector-borne diseases
arthropod bites
tick-borne diseases
sandfly-transmitted diseases
bedbug infestations
flea-borne infections
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/6/553
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