Emerging & Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Analyze Emerging & Re-emerging Infectious Diseases BT06.04

Emerging Infectious Diseases Have not occurred in humans before Have occurred previously but affected only small numbers Or have occurred throughout human history, but only recently recognized as disease due to infectious agent EX: H. Pylori- can cause stomach ulcer and cancer; requires vit. B6 to establish and maintain infection. This finding along w/identification of the enzyme the microbe requires to utilize the vitamin, could lead to a new class of antibiotics.

Globally, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death, and are the 3rd leading cause of death in the US.

Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Once were major health problems globally or in a particular country, then declined dramatically, but are again becoming health problems for a significant proportion of the population EX: Pertusis

Emerging ex: & contributing factors Ebola- recognized in 1977 Legionnaire- 1977, from cooling and plumbing systems Lyme- 1982, conditions favoring tick vector and deer AIDS- 1983, migration to cities, global travel, transfusions, organ transplants, IV drug use, sharing needles, multiple sex partners Cholera- 1992, new strain of bacteria SARS-2003

Re-emerging ex: & contributing fx Tb- evolution (mutate) of causative bacteria, drug resistance, immuno compromised patient (HIV) Malaria- drug resistance & favorable conditions for mosquito’s (Hurricaine) Pertussis- refusal to vaccinate, decreased vaccine efficacy (? Relation to Autism), Immigrants Rubeola- refusal or failure to vaccinate, or no follow up for subsequent vaccines Yellow Fever-insecticide resistance, urbanization, civil strife (unrest)

Epidemic An outbreak of a disease or illness that spreads rapidly among individuals in an area or population at the same time. EX: flu

Pandemic  An epidemic of infectious disease that has spread through human populations across a large region; for instance multiple continents, or even worldwide. EX: