Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
[Rise and threat of infectious diseases]
W J Wiersinga1,2, M P G Koopmans3, J T van Dissel4
1Amsterdam UMC, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, onderafd. Infectieziekten en Center forExperimentalMolecularMedicine (CEMM), Amsterdam.
Abstract:
In 2019, 1 in 4 deaths was caused by infectious diseases. In addition to the big 3 - HIV, malaria and tuberculosis - these diseases are mainly respiratory infections, infectious diarrhoea and sepsis. The burden of disease caused by infections also remains high in the Netherlands. This could still get worse because of several factors: ageing, 'vaccination doubts', increased use of immunosuppressive drugs, increased mobility of people and globalisation of food chains. Global warming also affects the spread of pathogens and disease vectors. Pathogens have an impressive ability to adapt and, for example, to develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. In order to cope with these threats, we would do well to consider the emergence of new infectious diseases as well as the threat of old ones. What can we learn from decades past? Why do new infections keep emerging? What does the future look like?
Related Concept Videos
Infection
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...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Vaccinations
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...

