Emerging infectious diseases and pathogens

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases stem from microbial evolution (old, new, mutant pathogens) and are influenced by patient factors, antibiotic use, environmental changes, xenotransplantation, and international travel.
• Significant increases in diseases like Clostridioides difficile, cyclosporiasis, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, Hantavirus, hepatitis C virus, and Lyme disease have been observed in the U.S. over the last two decades.
• Prominent emergence of microorganisms such as Malassezia pachydermatis, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacilli, and antibiotic-resistant Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is noted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted nature of emerging infectious diseases.
• To highlight key pathogens and contributing factors driving their emergence.
• To underscore the challenges in managing these evolving health threats.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on emerging infectious diseases.
• Analysis of trends in pathogen emergence and associated risk factors.
• Identification of specific pathogens and diseases of concern.

Main Results:

• Multiple factors contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases, including microbial adaptation and global interconnectedness.
• Specific pathogens and diseases show increasing incidence in the United States.
• Antibiotic resistance is a major driver for the emergence of challenging bacterial pathogens.

Conclusions:

• The landscape of infectious diseases is dynamic, with continuous emergence of pathogens.
• Controlling emerging infectious diseases requires a comprehensive approach addressing microbial, host, and environmental factors.
• Significant challenges remain in the identification, treatment, and control of these evolving threats.