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Globalization of human infectious disease.
Katherine F Smith1, Dov F Sax, Steven D Gaines
1University of Georgia Institute of Ecology, Ecology Building Way, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA. smithk@uga.edu
Ecology
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Globalization aids infectious disease spread. Human-specific pathogens are widespread, while zoonotic diseases remain localized, but this may change, posing public health risks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Ecology
- Global Health
Background:
- Globalization accelerates the spread of infectious agents worldwide.
- Understanding disease distribution is crucial for public health preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the geographical distribution of infectious agents in relation to globalization.
- To investigate the role of host range in pathogen distribution patterns.
- To assess implications for public health policy and emerging infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of the Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON) database.
- Comparison of distribution patterns for human-specific versus zoonotic infectious agents.
- Consideration of transmission modes and pathogen taxonomy.
Main Results:
- Human-specific infectious agents show broad, uniform global distribution.
- Zoonotic infectious agents exhibit more localized geographical distributions.
- Distribution patterns are influenced by host range, transmission mode, and taxonomy.
Conclusions:
- The current dichotomy in pathogen distribution may not persist due to ongoing globalization (e.g., species introductions).
- Nations must identify infectious agents with high potential for establishment within their borders.
- Findings have critical implications for public health policy and infectious disease research.
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