%0 Journal Article
%T What Happens before an Infectious Bite? A Multiscale Theory of Vector Behaviour, Microclimate, Immunity, and Human–Vector Contact
%A Ahmed El-Kholy
%A Nour Abdelrahman
%A Karim Hassan
%A Sanjay Kulkarni
%A Meenal Joshi
%J Entomology and Applied Science Letters
%@ 2349-2864
%D 2025
%V 12
%N 2
%R 10.51847/pU6QjlnIwH
%P 33-43
%X An infectious vector bite is the endpoint of a longer process in which biological readiness, behaviour, environmental opportunity, and human accessibility must converge. Research and control frequently represent transmission risk through isolated indicators such as vector abundance, climatic suitability, host-seeking activity, or laboratory competence. These indicators describe different constructs and cannot independently establish that infectious contact has occurred. This theory article develops a multiscale conceptual synthesis of the determinants operating before an infectious bite. It integrates pathogen development within the vector, temperature-sensitive vector traits, physiological motivation, sensory host detection, feeding progression, local microclimate, human–vector overlap, and personal protection. The evidence indicates that these determinants function as conditional filters: each may enable, constrain, redirect, or terminate progression toward pathogen inoculation. Temperature can affect vector survival, activity, pathogen development, and transmission-related traits, but suitability is bounded and system-specific. Host cues can activate orientation and attraction, but sensory response does not establish landing, probing, blood acquisition, or infectious delivery. Microclimate can create localized opportunities for vector activity, yet opportunity becomes exposure only when infectious vectors and accessible humans coincide. The synthesis is limited by differences among vector–pathogen systems, experimental designs, environmental scales, behavioural measurements, and definitions of contact. The central implication is that transmission research should link measurements across scales rather than substitute one proxy for the complete pre-bite process. The proposed structure offers a basis for hypothesis development, measurement design, and intervention mapping, but it remains a non-validated conceptual pathway rather than a predictive transmission model.
%U https://easletters.com/article/what-happens-before-an-infectious-bite-a-multiscale-theory-of-vector-behaviour-microclimate-immun-syltzor1h9ie5s4