Pathogen-host-environment interplay and disease emergence.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Disease Ecology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Preventing infectious disease emergence requires understanding its drivers.
• Current research often focuses on zoonoses, lacking an integrated framework for all emerging infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a conceptual framework for integrating knowledge on all emerging infectious disease events.
• To categorize disease emergence based on pathogen, host, and environmental interactions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a conceptual framework based on changes in pathogen-host-environment interplay.
• Categorized emergence events into three types: novel host, mutant pathogen, and new geographic area.

Main Results:

• The framework integrates knowledge by categorizing emergence into three distinct groups.
• Each category is defined by specific drivers, pathogen traits, and transmission dynamics.
• Identified pathogen spill-over, host jumps, increased virulence, antimicrobial resistance, immune escape, and geographic range expansion as key factors.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework aids in structuring information on infectious diseases.
• It enhances understanding of how human activities alter global disease landscapes.
• This conceptual model facilitates a holistic approach to studying and managing emerging infectious diseases.