This book offers an in-depth exploration of medical entomology, focusing on the identification, biology, ecology, and public health significance of arthropods that act as vectors of disease. Structured across eight comprehensive chapters, the text begins with the fundamentals of medical entomology, covering its scope, history, and economic importance. It then delves into the morphology and anatomy of insects and arachnids, explaining their development, behaviour, and adaptation strategies.
A significant portion of the book focuses on vectors and disease transmission, elaborating on mechanisms such as mechanical and biological transmission, host-vector-pathogen relationships, and factors influencing vector competence. Special chapters are devoted to mosquitoes, flies, lice, ticks, and mites, detailing the diseases they transmit and the modern methods used to control them.
The book also discusses the public health response, including government programs like the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), resistance management, integrated vector management (IVM), and innovative biological and genetic control strategies.
In the final chapters, the book addresses emerging issues, such as the impact of climate change, urbanisation, global travel, and technological advancements in diagnostics and vector surveillance. The importance of public education and community participation in vector control is also emphasised. Written in an accessible yet detailed manner, this book serves as a vital resource for students, educators, health workers, and researchers involved in vector-borne disease management and entomological studies.
