General Article | Veterinary Microbiology
New Dimensions of Infectious Disease Emergence: A Viewpoint
Ajit SinghFormer Emeritus Scientist, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, LUVAS, Hisar-125004, India
Published in the Indian Veterinary Journal August 2021 : 98 (8) - pages 23 to 26(Received: , Accepted: )
Abstract
Infectious agents of human and animal diseases are a cause of great concern worldwide. Pathogens are constantly changing their genetic make-up under a wide range of evolutionary pressures, stressors, competitors, host restriction elements, etc. The pace of emergence and re-emergence of pathogens has increased during past few decades. The global warming, the synthetic biology, and the disturbed microbiomes have added new dimensions to fuel the emergence of infectious diseases in recent times. Unfortunately, unchecked anthropogenic activities continue to contribute to these new dimensions. Preparedness for future would require resilient health system, technologically advanced tools, and better adapted public health interventions in One Health frame for the globalized world.
Key Words: Emergence of infectious diseases; global warming; synthetic biology; disturbed microbiomes.