Virology of Emerging Infectious Diseases

 Emerging infectious diseases is caused by pathogens that are newly identified or rapidly increasing in incidence or geographical spread. These diseases are often caused by viruses that undergo genetic mutations, allowing them to jump from animals to humans (zoonosis), adapt to human hosts, and spread more efficiently. Examples include the SARS-CoV-2 virus (responsible for COVID-19), Zika virus, Ebola virus, and HIV.




  • Mutation and Adaptation: Many emerging viruses are characterized by high mutation rates, which can lead to the rapid development of variants with different transmission capabilities, virulence, and drug resistance. This makes the task of developing effective treatments or vaccines more complex. For instance, the mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus resulted in the emergence of variants like Delta and Omicron, which impacted transmissibility and vaccine efficacy.



  • Zoonotic Transmission: Animals, particularly wildlife, are the source of a large number of new infectious diseases. Opportunities for zoonotic transmission are created by close human-wildlife contacts, such as those that occur in wet markets or through deforestation. Preventing future epidemics requires an understanding of how viruses change and spread between species.

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