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Emerging infectious diseases: a cause for concern
Abstract:
As the twenty-first century begins it becomes increasingly apparent that the twentieth century, which opened with the promise of the eradication of most infectious diseases, closed with the specter of the reemergence of many deadly infectious diseases that have a rapidly increasing incidence and geographic range. Equally if not more alarming is the appearance of new infectious diseases that have become major sources of morbidity and mortality. Among recent examples are HIV/AIDS, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Lyme disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome (caused by a strain of Escherichia coli), Rift Valley fever, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, malaria, cryptosporidiosis, and schistosomiasis. The reasons for this situation are easily identified in some cases as associated with treatment modalities (permissive use of antibiotics), the industrial use of antibiotics, demographic changes, societal behavior patterns, changes in ecology, global warming, the inability to deliver minimal health care and the neglect of well-established public health priorities. In addition is the emergence of diseases of another type. We have begun to characterize the potential microbial etiology of what has historically been referred to as chronic diseases.
Insights
The 21st century sees a resurgence of deadly infectious diseases and the emergence of new ones, driven by factors like antibiotic use and environmental changes. Understanding these trends is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious disease epidemiology and public health.
- * Microbial etiology of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
- * Impact of environmental and societal factors on disease patterns.
Background:
- * The 20th century aimed for infectious disease eradication but closed with rising incidence and geographic spread of deadly diseases.
- * New infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and Dengue hemorrhagic fever are significant causes of illness and death.
- * Factors contributing to this include antibiotic misuse, demographic shifts, ecological changes, and global warming.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To highlight the alarming re-emergence and emergence of infectious diseases at the turn of the 21st century.
- * To identify key drivers contributing to the increased incidence and spread of these diseases.
- * To introduce the investigation into the potential microbial causes of chronic diseases.
Main Methods:
- * Review of infectious disease trends and contributing factors.
- * Analysis of demographic, ecological, and societal influences.
- * Characterization of microbial etiology for chronic diseases.
Main Results:
- * Significant increase in incidence and geographic range of re-emerging infectious diseases.
- * Emergence of novel infectious diseases causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
- * Identification of multiple factors driving these epidemiological shifts.
- * Initiation of research into microbial links to chronic diseases.
Conclusions:
- * The early 21st century is marked by a serious resurgence and emergence of infectious diseases.
- * Multiple interconnected factors, including human behavior and environmental changes, are responsible.
- * Further research is needed to understand and combat these evolving public health threats, including potential microbial links to chronic conditions.
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