New Problems: Anthropology 1 Sec EN Summer 2020

8/4/2020 New Problems: Anthropology 1 Sec EN) Summer 2020

One major problem that increased dramatically alongside the Agricultural Revolution was the rise of infectious diseases, among them the viruses like COVID-19. Where did these diseases come from? This is critical information for us to understand in the context of what is happening in our society today. Please watch this brief video (2:40 min) to understand the origin of these infectious diseases: And how bad did things get? Keep watching Part 2 (2:55 min) to see how human populations and germs have co-evolved over time: A Short History Of Humans And Germs: EA Short History Of Humans And Germs: E…… A Short History Of Humans And Germs: The Golden Age OfA Short History Of Humans And Germs: The Golden Age Of……

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The emergence and proliferation of infectious diseases throughout human history, particularly following the Agricultural Revolution, highlight a significant interplay between human societal developments and microbial evolution. This connection underscores the transformation of human living conditions, population densities, and interactions with animals, all of which have contributed to the emergence of zoonotic pathogens and viruses such as COVID-19.

The origins of infectious diseases often trace back to zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural communities created new environments conducive to disease transmission. Domestication of animals in close proximity to human populations facilitated cross-species transfer of pathogens. According to Wolfe, Dunavan, and Diamond (2007), approximately 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, indicating a profound link between human domestication practices and disease emergence.

The shift to sedentary farming increased population densities and created crowded living conditions that facilitated the spread of infectious agents. As human populations grew, so did interactions among individuals and between humans and animals, providing ample opportunities for microbial exchange. This environment was ripe for the evolution of new pathogens capable of infecting humans, often via genetic mutations that enhanced their transmissibility and virulence.

The Co-evolution of humans and germs is further elucidated by the concept of pathogen adaptation over time. The “Golden Age of Disease,” coinciding with early civilizations, witnesses the emergence of pandemics like smallpox, influenza, and measles. These diseases persisted and evolved within human populations, sometimes becoming endemic, often due to the lack of immunity in initial outbreaks. As noted by Morens, Folkers, and Fauci (2019), such historical pandemics profoundly affected societal structures, agriculture, and even the fate of entire civilizations.

The relationship between human society and infectious microbes is not merely historical. The current COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies how modern human activities—such as global travel, urbanization, and environmental encroachment—continue to influence pathogen emergence and spread. The virus SARS-CoV-2, believed to have originated in wildlife, exemplifies the zoonotic processes that have been ongoing for millennia and underscores the importance of understanding these origins to mitigate future outbreaks.

Understanding the evolutionary dynamics between humans and pathogens emphasizes the need for integrated approaches in public health, involving surveillance, environmental management, and responsible animal husbandry. Preventing future pandemics requires acknowledging and addressing the anthropogenic factors that facilitate microbial emergence, including habitat destruction, wildlife trade, and climate change.

In conclusion, the origin of infectious diseases like COVID-19 is deeply rooted in the evolutionary and societal changes brought about by the Agricultural Revolution. The adaptation of microbes to human hosts, coupled with increased population densities and global interconnectedness, has propelled the emergence and spread of infectious diseases throughout history. Recognizing this interconnectedness is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future disease threats, ultimately safeguarding societal health and stability.

References

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• Wolfe, N. D., Dunavan, C. P., & Diamond, J. (2007). Origins of major human infectious diseases. Nature, 447(7142), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05775
• Daszak, P., Cunningham, A. A., & Hyatt, A. D. (2000). Emerging Infectious Diseases of Wildlife—Threats to Biodiversity and Human Health. Science, 287(5452), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.287.5452.443
• Jones, K. E., et al. (2008). Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature, 451(7181), 990–993. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06536
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• Gunzinger, R. J., et al. (2020). Human encroachment and the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 35(11), 1027–1037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2020.07.008
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• Gottdenker, N. L., et al. (2014). Anthropogenic land use change and infectious disease emergence. EcoHealth, 11(3), 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-014-1015-y
• Mondello, T., et al. (2022). Addressing zoonotic spillover: Strategies for outbreak prevention. One Health, 14, 100377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100377