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Emerging and reemerging pathogens
R Gomez-Lus1, A Clavel, J Castillo
1Department of Microbiology, F. de Medicina, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral s/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. gomezlus@posta.unizar.es
Abstract:
From 1973 to 1995, 29 new and reemerging pathogenic microbes were recognized. However, in discussions about emerging infectious diseases, the focus is often on the clinical effects of the host-parasite relationship, rather than the examination of the biology of the pathogen. Many of what we refer to as emerging diseases are characterized better as 'diseases of human progress'. Thus, the aerosolization of water has played an important role in the emergence of Legionella pneumophila infections. New diseases are superimposed on endemic diseases such as diarrhoeal diseases, malaria and tuberculosis. In addition, many pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to standard antimicrobial drugs, making treatment difficult and in some cases impossible. We summarize our experience on emerging parasitic diseases (primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, respiratory cryptosporidiosis, and diplogonoporiasis), and selected problems of bacterial resistance (MDR tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis and macrolide-resistance mechanisms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pyogenes).
Insights
Emerging infectious diseases, including parasitic and bacterial infections, are often linked to human progress and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Understanding pathogen biology is crucial for addressing these global health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- 29 new and reemerging pathogenic microbes identified between 1973-1995.
- Emerging infectious diseases discussions often overlook pathogen biology, focusing instead on host-parasite interactions.
- Many emerging diseases are consequences of 'diseases of human progress', such as Legionella pneumophila from water aerosolization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize experiences with emerging parasitic diseases.
- To highlight challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens.
- To underscore the importance of pathogen biology in understanding emerging infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging parasitic diseases: primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, respiratory cryptosporidiosis, and diplogonoporiasis.
- Analysis of bacterial resistance issues: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
- Examination of macrolide-resistance mechanisms in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Main Results:
- Emerging parasitic diseases present unique clinical and biological challenges.
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes complicate treatment.
- Pathogen biology and human environmental interactions are key factors in disease emergence.
Conclusions:
- Emerging infectious diseases require a comprehensive understanding of both pathogen biology and societal factors.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
- Addressing emerging diseases involves managing 'diseases of human progress' and understanding host-pathogen dynamics.