[Fundamental causes of disease]

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Historical analysis of diseases reveals patterns of emergence and decline.
• Human pursuit of improved living conditions introduces novel health risks.
• The pace of human-induced environmental and behavioral change outstrips evolutionary adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an ecological-evolutionary theory for the origins of diseases.
• To explain the emergence of novel diseases through human activities and environmental exposures.
• To illustrate the theory with examples including infectious diseases, ischemic heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Historical perspective on disease patterns.
• Application of ecological-evolutionary principles to disease emergence.
• Case study illustrations across different disease categories.

Main Results:

• Diseases exhibit a characteristic rise and fall linked to human-environment interactions.
• Human activities create health risks at a rate exceeding evolutionary responses.
• The emergence of new diseases, including COVID-19, aligns with this ecological-evolutionary framework.

Conclusions:

• The theory provides a framework for understanding disease emergence and dynamics.
• Behavior and environment are fundamental drivers of disease development.
• Public health interventions targeting behavior and environment are crucial for disease management.