Arthropods harbor a diverse array of microbes that profoundly influence many aspects of host biology, including
vector competence. Additionally, symbionts can be engineered to produce molecules that inhibit pathogens. Due to
their intimate association with the host, microbes have developed strategies that facilitate their transmission, either
horizontally or vertically, to conspecifics. These attributes make microbes attractive agents for applied strategies to
control arthropod-borne disease. Here we discuss the recent advances in microbial control approaches to reduce the
burden of pathogens such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, and
Trypanosome
and
Plasmodium
parasites.
We also highlight where further investigation is warranted.
