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Emerging virus diseases: can we ever expect the unexpected?
Colin R Howard1, Nicola F Fletcher1
1School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham , Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Emerging Microbes & Infections
|June 4, 2015
Summary
Emerging virus diseases pose a significant public health threat, often originating from animal hosts due to ecosystem changes and human behavior. Understanding viral emergence mechanisms is crucial for prediction and prevention.
Area of Science:
- * Virology and Public Health: Focuses on the emergence of novel viral diseases impacting human and animal populations.
Background:
- * Emerging viruses, frequently originating from animal reservoirs, represent a substantial and recurring threat to global public health.
- * Factors driving emergence include ecosystem disruption, urbanization, and altered human behaviors, facilitating cross-species transmission.
- * The rapid mutation potential of RNA viruses contributes to their adaptability and emergence in new hosts and environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular and immunological underpinnings of virus emergence.
- * To explore the factors contributing to viral cross-species transmission and establishment in new ecological niches.
- * To assess current predictive capabilities and identify needs for enhanced surveillance strategies.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review synthesizing current research on virus emergence.
- * Analysis of factors influencing viral spillover events and adaptation.
- * Evaluation of mathematical modeling and spatial epidemiology in predicting emergence hotspots.
Main Results:
- * Ecosystem changes and human behavior are key drivers of viral emergence.
- * RNA virus genomes facilitate rapid adaptation and evolution.
- * Predictive models and spatial epidemiology have improved understanding of emergence patterns, but challenges remain.
Conclusions:
- * Virus emergence is complex and influenced by ecological, behavioral, and viral genetic factors.
- * Enhanced surveillance of high-risk animal species is essential for early detection and intervention.
- * Interdisciplinary collaboration among physicians, veterinarians, and policymakers is vital for public health preparedness.
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