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Emerging infectious diseases: a challenge to all

L J Strausbaugh1

  • 1Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine, Portland, USA.

American Family Physician
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Emerging infections, like ehrlichiosis and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, are increasing. This review covers five such diseases, including hantavirus, E. coli O157:H7, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Emerging infections are defined by increased incidence in the last 20 years or potential future rise.
  • These can involve newly discovered pathogens or known diseases with rising rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review five specific emerging infectious diseases.
  • To highlight their characteristics and public health significance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging infectious diseases.
  • Focus on ehrlichiosis, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Main Results:

  • Ehrlichiosis: Tick-borne bacterial infection.
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci: Significant nosocomial infections.
  • Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: High fatality rate viral infection.
  • Escherichia coli O157:H7: Causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
  • Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: Severe illness with high mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging infections pose significant and growing threats.
  • Understanding these diseases is crucial for public health preparedness and response.

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