Vector‐borne diseases (VBDs) transmitted by mosquitoes and other arthropods remain a major global health concern, responsible for millions of infections and deaths annually. These include malaria ( Plasmodium spp.), dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile fever, filariasis ( Wuchereria bancrofti ), leishmaniasis ( Leishmania spp.), and Lyme disease ( Borrelia burgdorferi ), among others. Effective management of these diseases relies on identifying mosquito species and understanding their biological traits to decipher transmission dynamics. However, traditional pathogen detection methods often lack sensitivity, specificity, and speed, hindering timely surveillance and response efforts. Recent advancements in molecular and digital tools have transformed the detection and management of vector‐borne pathogens, offering improved sensitivity, specificity, and rapid results. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and CRISPR‐based diagnostics provide unprecedented capabilities for identifying pathogens at early stages. These tools enable detailed pathogen characterization, real‐time monitoring of disease outbreaks, and tailored vector control strategies. This review highlights the principles of molecular detection methods, recent technological developments, and their applications in disease surveillance. It presents case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of molecular tools in monitoring and controlling VBDs and discusses their integration into vector control programs. Additionally, the review outlines challenges in adopting these technologies in resource‐limited settings and emphasizes the need for capacity‐building initiatives. Looking forward, innovation in molecular diagnostics and their seamless integration into public health strategies will be pivotal in combating the emergence and resurgence of infectious diseases. Investment in research, technology development, and interdisciplinary collaborations will ensure the continued evolution of molecular tools, providing robust solutions for reducing the burden of VBDs globally.
Sinha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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