The Impact of Deforestation, Urbanization, and Changing Land Use Patterns on the Ecology of Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Central America is a region that possesses distinct ecological and socioeconomic characteristics, making it increasingly vulnerable to vector-borne diseases. The emergence and resurgence of these diseases has been linked to environmental changes driven by human activities, particularly land use changes associated with deforestation, forest degradation, and urbanization. However, the effects of these environmental modifications on the transmission dynamics and the increase of infection risks are not well understood in Central America where information is limited and scattered. In this article, we review and analyze the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation and urbanization on the risk and transmission dynamics of the most relevant mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases in Central America. Disease events, such as the recent Zika and dengue epidemics, and the uneven progress towards regional malaria elimination highlight the need to increase awareness regarding the complex ecological interactions and environmental changes taking place in this region and how this information could be used to improve prevention and control strategies. ABSTRACT: Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to the emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases due to a combination of key ecological and socioeconomic determinants acting together, often in a synergistic fashion. Of particular interest are the effects of land use changes, such as deforestation-driven urbanization and forest degradation, on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, which are not well understood. In recent years, parts of Central America have experienced social and economic improvements; however, the region still faces major challenges in developing effective strategies and significant investments in public health infrastructure to prevent and control these diseases. In this article, we review the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation, urbanization, and other land use changes on mosquito-borne and tick-borne disease transmission in Central America and how these anthropogenic drivers could affect the risk for disease emergence and resurgence in the region. These issues are addressed in the context of other interconnected environmental and social challenges.