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Emerging infectious diseases: the Bunyaviridae
Samantha S Soldan1, Francisco González-Scarano
1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4283, USA.
Journal of Neurovirology
|November 17, 2005
Summary
Bunyaviruses infect arthropods and animals worldwide, causing illnesses from mild to fatal. Factors like population growth and climate change increase bunyavirus emergence risks, necessitating global monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bunyaviridae represent a significant viral family with global distribution.
- These viruses are transmitted by arthropod vectors to diverse animal hosts.
- Bunyavirus infections pose a threat to human health, causing a spectrum of diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing risk of bunyavirus emergence.
- To emphasize the need for enhanced global surveillance and research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Bunyaviridae ecology and epidemiology.
- Analysis of factors contributing to viral emergence.
- Assessment of public health implications.
Main Results:
- Bunyaviruses are widespread, infecting various hosts and vectors.
- Human population growth, agricultural expansion, climate change, and global travel facilitate bunyavirus emergence.
- These viruses can cause severe human diseases, including hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis.
Conclusions:
- Bunyaviruses pose a growing global health concern.
- International cooperation in monitoring and research is crucial.
- Understanding bunyavirus biology and ecology is essential for outbreak preparedness.