Identification and Characterization of Ectoparasite-Borne Pathogens Through Vector and Animal Surveillance in Andean Countries, South America.

This article reviews the surveillance and diversity of ectoparasite-borne pathogens (EBP) in the Andean countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, focusing on diseases transmitted by fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Rickettsia species are identified as the most diverse and widely distributed pathogens in the region, followed by Babesia and Anaplasma species, with additional presence of Bartonella, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, and Phlebovirus pathogens. Predominant tick genera involved include Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes, which infect both animals and humans, particularly affecting rural populations engaged in agriculture and livestock. The article highlights challenges in EBP surveillance due to underreporting and nonspecific symptoms, emphasizing the need for integrated vector, animal reservoir, and human surveillance to improve detection and control of these treatable diseases.