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Viral zoonoses - a threat under control?
B Ludwig1, F B Kraus, R Allwinn
1Institute for Medical Virology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. B.Ludwing@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
Despite intensive research and considerable effort to eradicate infectious diseases, modern medicine has failed to control many infectious diseases which have been thought to be easy to overcome with advances in medical science and technology. In fact, infectious diseases remain a dominant feature in public health considerations for the 21st century. Some infectious agents already known to be pathogenic have gained increasing importance in recent decades due to changes in disease patterns. Furthermore, many new, previously unknown infectious agents with a high pathogenic potential have been identified. Nearly all of these emergent disease episodes have involved zoonotic or species-jumping infectious agents. The complex interaction of factors like environmental and ecological changes, social factors, decline of health care, human demographics and behaviour influences the emergence of re-emergence of such diseases. Viruses, especially RNA viruses with their ability to adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions, are among the most prominent examples of emerging pathogens. In this review, we present the important examples of zoonotic viruses and discuss the factors playing a key role in the emergence and resurgence of these diseases.
Insights
Emerging infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic viruses, pose a significant global health threat. Understanding the complex factors driving their emergence is crucial for public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious disease epidemiology and public health.
- * Microbiology and virology, focusing on emerging pathogens.
- * One Health, encompassing environmental, animal, and human health interactions.
Background:
- * Despite medical advances, many infectious diseases remain uncontrolled, posing significant public health challenges.
- * Increasing importance of known pathogens and identification of novel, highly pathogenic agents.
- * A majority of emergent disease episodes involve zoonotic (animal-to-human) transmission events.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review significant examples of zoonotic viruses responsible for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
- * To discuss the multifaceted factors contributing to the emergence and resurgence of these viral threats.
- * To highlight the role of viruses, particularly RNA viruses, as prominent emerging pathogens.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review and synthesis of existing research on zoonotic viral diseases.
- * Analysis of epidemiological data and trends in infectious disease emergence.
- * Discussion of ecological, social, and behavioral factors influencing pathogen transmission.
Main Results:
- * Zoonotic viruses are a primary driver of emerging infectious disease events.
- * Complex interactions between environmental, social, and demographic factors facilitate disease emergence.
- * RNA viruses demonstrate high adaptability, contributing to their role as significant emerging pathogens.
Conclusions:
- * Infectious diseases, especially zoonotic viral diseases, remain a critical 21st-century public health concern.
- * A comprehensive understanding of emergence factors is essential for effective disease control and prevention.
- * Continued research and interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., One Health) are vital to address the threat of emerging infectious diseases.