Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause human diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, and filariasis. Biotechnological approaches using microorganisms have a significant potential to control mosquito populations and reduce their vector competence, making them alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Ongoing research has identified many microorganisms that can be used effectively to control mosquito populations and disease transmission. However, the successful implementation of these newly proposed approaches requires a thorough understanding of the multipronged microorganism–mosquito–pathogen–environment interactions. Although much has been achieved in discovering new entomopathogenic microorganisms, antipathogen compounds, and their mechanisms of action, only a few have been turned into viable products for mosquito control. There is a discrepancy between the number of microorganisms with the potential for the development of new insecticides and/or antipathogen products and the actual available products, highlighting the need for investments in the intersection of basic research and biotechnology.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent a growing concern for global public and veterinary health, with cases reported across all continents. This review presents a broad overview of the geographic distribution of arboviruses transmitted by insect vectors, emphasizing the importance of early viral detection as a cornerstone of surveillance and outbreak preparedness. Special attention is given to the phenomenon of zoonotic spillover, where viruses maintained in natural transmission cycles often involving wildlife reservoirs and arthropod vectors cross into human populations, triggering emergent or re-emergent outbreaks. This article discusses key arboviral families of medical and veterinary significance, including Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Nairoviridae, Phenuiviridae, Peribunyaviridae, and Orthomyxoviridae, highlighting their molecular and structural characteristics. These features are essential for guiding the development and implementation of specific and sensitive detection strategies. In addition, this work provides a comparative analysis of diverse laboratory methodologies for viral detection in vectors. From serological assays and viral isolation to advanced molecular tools and next-generation sequencing, we explore their principles, practical applications, and context-dependent advantages and limitations. By compiling this information, we aim to support researchers and public health professionals in selecting the most appropriate tools for vector surveillance, ultimately contributing to improved response strategies in the face of arboviral threats.

Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause human diseases such as malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, and filariasis. Chemical pesticides are effective instruments for reducing disease transmission and managing mosquito populations. However, these chemicals have drawbacks such as high production costs and negative effects on the environment and non-target organisms. Furthermore, as mosquitoes develop resistance to chemical insecticides, they become less effective. As a result, researchers are investigating novel insecticides. Advances in microbial biotechnology have resulted in a wide range of value-added products, including biopesticides for agricultural and public health purposes. In this review, we highlight the mainly untapped biotechnological potential of microorganisms for vector mosquito control and disease transmission reduction. Also, we underline the importance of more basic research and improved translational research methodologies, encouraging efforts to bridge the gap between academic research on biopesticides and public health interventions.