Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Vaccinia Reporter Viruses for Quantifying Viral Function at All Stages of Gene Expression
Published on: May 15, 2014
[Historical aspects of some infectious diseases: is their gradual eradication utopian?]
Abstract:
Infectious microorganisms (parasites, bacteria, viruses) which caused dramatic epidemics in human populations throughout the centuries, as well as their natural reservoirs and possible vectors, have not disappeared... Plague, cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, rickettsioses are still quite present in some areas of the world. Furthermore new infectious diseases caused by emerging pathogens have recently appeared dramatically, such as AIDS. Eradication of the most severe and lethal infectious diseases remains nevertheless an ambitious but not utopian objective, if one considers the spectacular advances made, more or less recently, in the field of specific vaccinations. For instance, smallpox has been eradicated around 1980. Present efforts are mainly concentrated on poliomyelitis, the eradication of which was hoped to take place in year 2005, but which is still present in a few areas. Eradication of measles, with the presently available vaccine, is a reasonable objective. Eradication of malaria appears to be much more difficult since this infection involves a complex parasite and an insect vector, the mosquito. And, as far as AIDS is concerned, intensive research has not yet led to the conception of an effective vaccine.
Insights
Infectious diseases like plague and malaria persist globally, while new threats like AIDS emerge. Despite challenges, advancements in vaccination offer hope for eradicating diseases such as polio and measles.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Historically significant infectious diseases (e.g., plague, malaria, tuberculosis) remain prevalent worldwide.
- Emerging infectious diseases, such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), pose new and significant threats to global health.
- Natural reservoirs and vectors of infectious agents continue to facilitate disease transmission.
Purpose:
- To assess the current status and future prospects of eradicating major infectious diseases.
- To highlight the role of vaccination in disease control and eradication efforts.
- To identify challenges in eradicating complex diseases like malaria and AIDS.
Summary:
- Despite the disappearance of smallpox, many infectious diseases persist, and new ones like AIDS have emerged.
- Vaccination has led to the eradication of smallpox and offers a viable strategy for measles and poliomyelitis.
- Eradicating diseases like malaria and AIDS presents significant challenges due to complex pathogens, vectors, and lack of effective vaccines.
Impact:
- Vaccine development and implementation are crucial for global health security and disease eradication.
- Continued research and public health initiatives are necessary to combat persistent and emerging infectious diseases.
- Achieving global eradication goals requires addressing challenges posed by complex pathogens, vectors, and socioeconomic factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
01:24Smallpox
01:28History of Microbiology
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:51Vaccinations
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...