Pathogen: A Biological Agent That Causes Illness Or Disease

A Pathogenis A Biological Agent That Causes Illness Or Disease To Its

A pathogen is a biological agent that causes illness or disease to its host. Emerging means newly discovered or newly appearing in humans or newly appearing in a distinctly different geographic area. Therefore, emerging pathogens or emerging infectious diseases are those which have been discovered recently, within the last 10-30 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an emerging disease as "one that has appeared in a population for the first time, or that may have existed previously but is rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range." This week, we will examine some emerging pathogens and diseases.

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Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are infections that have newly appeared in a population or have existed previously but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. They pose significant public health challenges due to their unpredictability, potential severity, and the susceptibilities of populations. In recent decades, numerous emerging pathogens have garnered global attention, highlighting the importance of surveillance, research, and preparedness in managing these health threats.

One prominent example of an emerging pathogen is the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. First identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread worldwide, causing millions of infections and deaths. Its emergence exemplifies how zoonotic viruses—those transferred from animals to humans—can cause global health crises. The virus likely originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through intermediate hosts, demonstrating the significance of zoonotic spillover events in emerging diseases (Zhu et al., 2020).

Another notable emerging pathogen is the Ebola virus, which historically caused sporadic outbreaks in Central and West Africa. Since its discovery in 1976, Ebola has caused devastating epidemics characterized by high fatality rates. The 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa was particularly significant, emphasizing how environmental factors, globalization, and insufficient healthcare systems contribute to the emergence and rapid spread of such viruses (Sullivan et al., 2017). Ebola exemplifies how emerging zoonoses can threaten global health security, necessitating robust surveillance and containment strategies.

More recently, the Zika virus emerged as a significant health concern, particularly during the 2015-2016 epidemic in the Americas. Originally identified in Uganda in the 1940s, Zika reemerged with increased virulence and expanded geographic range. This virus is linked to severe congenital anomalies like microcephaly. Its emergence underscores the role of vector-borne diseases and the impact of environmental factors such as climate change and urbanization in facilitating the spread of such pathogens (WHO, 2016).

Emerging bacterial pathogens also contribute to public health challenges. For example, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), complicates treatment options and threatens global health (Laxminarayan et al., 2013). These resistant strains often emerge due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, underscoring the importance of antimicrobial stewardship.

Emerging diseases are driven by various factors, including environmental changes, human behavior, globalization, and technological advancements. Deforestation and habitat encroachment increase contact between humans and wildlife, facilitating zoonotic spillovers. Urbanization and travel enable rapid disease spread across borders. Climate change alters vector habitats, expanding the range of diseases like dengue and Zika. Additionally, globalization fosters trade and travel, which can accelerate the dissemination of emerging pathogens worldwide (Morens et al., 2012).

Prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases require a multifaceted approach. Surveillance systems such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) enable early detection and response to outbreaks. Vaccination programs, public health education, and robust healthcare infrastructure enhance preparedness. International collaboration and information sharing are crucial in tracking and responding to emerging threats effectively. Furthermore, research on pathogen biology, transmission dynamics, and host immune responses informs vaccine development and therapeutic strategies.

In conclusion, emerging pathogens pose ongoing challenges to global health. The examples of SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria demonstrate that zoonotic spillovers, environmental change, and human activity play critical roles in disease emergence. Addressing these threats requires continuous surveillance, research, and international cooperation to develop effective prevention, preparedness, and response strategies. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, adopting a One Health approach is essential to mitigate the impact of emerging diseases in the future.

References

• Laxminarayan, R., Duse, A., Wattal, C., Zaidi, A. K., Wertheim, H. F., Sumaylo, N., ... & Adams, M. (2013). Antibiotic resistance—the need for global solutions. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13(12), 1057-1098.
• Morens, D. M., Folkers, G. K., & Fauci, A. S. (2012). The challenge of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The Nature, 468(7326), 705-706.
• Sullivan, N., Yoti, Z., & Nichols, M. (2017). Ebola virus disease in West Africa: The beginning of the end? The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(2), 95-98.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Zika virus outbreak, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/situation-report/24-february-2016/en/
• Zhu, N., Zhang, D., Wang, W., Li, X., Yang, B., Song, J., ... & Tan, W. (2020). A novel coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in China, 2019. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(8), 727-733.