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Emerging infections in Australia
1University of Western Australia.
Abstract:
Over the last 10 years, novel infectious agents including Equine Morbillivirus, Lyssavirus, Barmah Forest Virus, Rickettsia honei and two as-yet-unnamed bunyaviruses have been identified as causes of human disease in Australia. Previously described agents, such as Japanese B Encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, Ross River virus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia australis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Mycobacterium ulcerans and Trichinella pseudospiralis, have increased their geographical distribution over the last 20 years. Widespread antibiotic use has also resulted in selection for, and dissemination (especially in hospitals) of, multiresistant bacteria such as multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacteria, penicillin-resistant pneumococci and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Insights
New infectious agents and expanding distributions of known pathogens are emerging in Australia. Antibiotic resistance is also increasing, posing significant public health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Emergence of novel infectious agents in Australia over the past decade.
- Geographical expansion of previously identified pathogens in the last 20 years.
- Rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria due to widespread antibiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the emergence and spread of infectious agents in Australia.
- To highlight the increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and surveillance data analysis.
- Identification of novel and previously described etiological agents.
- Tracking geographical distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- Identification of Equine Morbillivirus, Lyssavirus, Barmah Forest Virus, Rickettsia honei, and novel bunyaviruses causing human disease.
- Increased geographic range of Japanese B Encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, Ross River virus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia australis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Mycobacterium ulcerans, and Trichinella pseudospiralis.
- Prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria including MRSA, ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria, penicillin-resistant pneumococci, and VRE.
Conclusions:
- Australia faces a growing burden of infectious diseases from both novel and established agents.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a significant and escalating threat, particularly in healthcare settings.
- Continuous surveillance and infection control strategies are crucial to manage these evolving public health risks.