Related Experiment Videos
Emergence of new pathogens as a function of changes in host susceptibility
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. jmorris@umppa1.ab.umd.edu
Abstract:
A pathogen may emerge as an important public health problem because of changes in itself or its transmission pathways. Alternatively, a microorganism may emerge as a pathogen or acquire new public health importance because of changes in host susceptibility to infection. Factors influencing host susceptibility within the population as a whole include increases in the number of immunocompromised patients; increased use of immunosuppressive agents, particularly among persons receiving cancer chemotherapy or undergoing organ transplantation; aging of the population; and malnutrition. In considering the emergence of foodborne pathogens and designing interventions to limit their spread, the susceptibility of these population subgroups to specific infections should be taken into account.
Insights
Changes in pathogens or host susceptibility, such as increased immunocompromised individuals and an aging population, can lead to new public health threats. Understanding these factors is crucial for controlling emerging infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pathogen emergence is driven by microbial evolution and transmission dynamics.
- Host susceptibility significantly influences the public health impact of infectious agents.
- Factors like immunosuppression, aging, and malnutrition increase vulnerability to pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of host susceptibility in the emergence of public health problems.
- To identify key factors contributing to increased host susceptibility.
- To inform strategies for controlling foodborne pathogens by considering vulnerable populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pathogen emergence and host-pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on factors influencing population susceptibility.
- Synthesis of information on immunocompromised states, aging, and malnutrition.
Main Results:
- Increased numbers of immunocompromised patients, use of immunosuppressive drugs, population aging, and malnutrition are key drivers of susceptibility.
- These factors can elevate the public health importance of existing or novel pathogens.
- Subgroup susceptibility is critical for understanding and managing foodborne disease outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Altering host susceptibility is a significant factor in the emergence of infectious disease threats.
- Public health interventions must consider the specific vulnerabilities of different population subgroups.
- Targeting interventions to at-risk populations is essential for controlling emerging foodborne pathogens.