Emerging infectious diseases
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Key Characteristics and Definitions of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are infections that have newly appeared in a population or are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These include both new diseases and the resurgence of previously controlled ones, such as HIV/AIDS, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and certain strains of Escherichia coli Morse1995Morens2004. EIDs are a significant burden on global health and economies, with their emergence driven by a complex interplay of social, economic, political, and ecological factors Srugo2014Jones2008Morens2004.
Major Drivers and Contributing Factors
Socio-Economic, Environmental, and Behavioral Factors
The rise of EIDs is closely linked to socio-economic changes, environmental disruptions, and human behaviors. Factors such as increased global population, urbanization, international travel, and climate change all contribute to the emergence and spread of new pathogens Bloom2017Morse1995Jones2008. Human activities that increase contact with wildlife or alter ecosystems are particularly important, as most EIDs are zoonotic—originating from animals, especially wildlife Watkins2018Jones2008.
Microbial Evolution and Drug Resistance
Microbial adaptation, including the evolution of drug resistance, is a key factor in the emergence of infectious diseases. Over half of EID events are caused by bacteria or rickettsia, with many involving drug-resistant strains . The ongoing evolution of pathogens and selection for resistance highlight the need for vigilant surveillance and control Morse1995Tapper2006.
Notable Examples and Recent Trends
Recent years have seen the emergence of several concerning pathogens, including Emergomyces canadensis, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, SARS, MERS, Nipah virus, and others. These diseases pose high risks for epidemics, causing significant mortality and financial costs Watkins2018McAnulty2016Tapper2006. Outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza, West Nile virus, and Zika virus have demonstrated the global reach and impact of EIDs, affecting both developed and developing countries McAnulty2016Tapper2006.
Surveillance, Detection, and Response Strategies
Importance of Surveillance Systems
Effective surveillance is critical for early detection and control of EIDs. National and international strategies, such as Australia's National Communicable Disease Surveillance Strategy, aim to improve monitoring and response to outbreaks Srugo2014McAnulty2016. Surveillance systems must be flexible and well-coordinated to address the unpredictable nature of EIDs .
Role of Technology and Modeling
Advances in genomics, digital epidemiology, and mathematical modeling are enhancing our ability to forecast outbreaks, investigate transmission, and evaluate control measures. However, these tools are often limited by data scarcity, emphasizing the need for better integration with public health practice and improved data collection McAnulty2016Metcalf2017.
Global Coordination and Governance
A coordinated global approach is essential for managing EIDs. While many proposals exist from scientists, governments, and organizations like the WHO, there is a need for stronger global governance to unify efforts and resources . Current scientific and surveillance efforts are often misallocated, with insufficient focus on regions most likely to generate new EIDs .
Prevention, Control, and Future Directions
Vaccine and Therapeutic Development
New platform technologies are enabling faster development of vaccines and therapeutics, including human monoclonal antibodies, which can provide rapid responses to emerging threats . Streamlining regulatory processes and investing in research are crucial for staying ahead of evolving pathogens Watkins2018Bloom2017.
Research and Public Health Priorities
Ongoing research should focus on understanding the factors driving disease emergence, improving surveillance, and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Collaboration between public health authorities, healthcare providers, and researchers is vital for containing outbreaks and preventing transmission Abubakar2016Tapper2006.
Conclusion
Emerging infectious diseases remain a persistent and growing threat due to a combination of ecological, behavioral, and microbial factors. Most EIDs are zoonotic and increasingly originate from wildlife, with drug resistance compounding the challenge. Effective surveillance, rapid response, technological innovation, and global coordination are essential to mitigate the impact of EIDs and protect public health worldwide Watkins2018Srugo2014Bloom2017+5 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Investigating emerging infectious diseases
This paper provides an overview of emerging infectious diseases and their detection and containment, focusing on definitions, factors, surveillance, control, initial clinical response, public alerts, and future research priorities.
DOI