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Parasites and Conservation Biology
Published in Eric S. Loker, Bruce V. Hofkin, Parasitology, 2023
Eric S. Loker, Bruce V. Hofkin
Building on the platform of parasite ecology and evolutionary biology we have presented in previous chapters, we first examine the ways in which parasites can negatively affect and alter the diversity of host species, particularly host species that are threatened. For sure, parasites can pose major problems for conservation biologists. We then discuss how the topic of parasitism relates to the pervasive and ongoing process of introductions of exotic species. A term to be aware of, and one that we will return to later in the chapter, is pathogen pollution: the introduction of pathogenic parasites into a new or naïve host species or population. Pathogen pollution is one aspect of a broader topic of concern not only for conservation biologists but for everyone, namely emerging infectious diseases. Emerging infectious diseases are caused by parasites previously unknown to science that suddenly make their presence known (SARS-CoV-2 exemplifies this) or by previously known parasites that become more common (increasing incidence and prevalence), that have expanded their geographic range (perhaps by human-assisted introductions), that have acquired new host species or that have undergone evolutionary changes that have increased their virulence or transmissibility.
Science Communication and Viruses
Published in Patricia G. Melloy, Viruses and Society, 2023
Some researchers are working on a type of paradigm shift, emphasizing the concept of “One Health” when addressing emerging infectious diseases. This paradigm emphasizes the intersection and interdependence of human health, animal health, and environmental health (Bird and Mazet 2018; Davis et al. 2017; Monath, Kahn, and Kaplan 2010; Zinsstag et al. 2018). It is critical for scientists to communicate the need for this kind of intervention to the public. More work needs to be done to increase awareness of the issue of emerging infectious disease among the general population. Beyond awareness, risk communication researchers indicate that effective communication needs to be done before a pandemic threat, engaging the public in dialogue and understanding that people and institutions can perceive risk in different ways (Holmes 2008). Whatever scientific approach we take going forward in the future, any emerging infectious disease hotspot in the world has the potential to affect all people on the planet, and we cannot forget it.
Pest Control in Modern Public Health
Published in Jerome Goddard, Public Health Entomology, 2022
Infectious diseases are making a strong comeback after a lull in the years following World War II. The ability of disease germs to adapt to the human defense system and intense pressure from antibiotic use, combined with changes in society, has contributed to this comeback. Also, there are now several “new” or emerging diseases, including covid-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Legionnaires’ disease, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, toxic shock syndrome, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever. In just the last three decades we have seen the appearance of a new strain of bird influenza that attacks humans, a human form of “mad cow” disease, and new drug-resistant forms of Staphylococcus aureus. These new or emerging infectious diseases have raised considerable concern in the medical community about the possibility of widespread and possibly devastating disease epidemics (see Chapter 6 for more discussion of emerging diseases).
Experience of School Nurses During Public Health Crises: From 2009 H1N1 Influenza to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published in Journal of Community Health Nursing, 2023
First, the competency of school nurses should be further strengthened. A school nurse, as the single health expert in a school, already has the knowledge and experience necessary to implement evidence-based practices in a community with a diverse set of resources and needs (McDonald, 2020). However, the appropriate approach to the prevention and mitigation of emerging infectious diseases can change over time and according to the features of the virus. The competence to incorporate up-to-date knowledge with existing knowledge and to utilize this should be continuously developed. It is also important for school nurses to be skilled in cooperative communication to ensure timely collaboration among school members during epidemic and pandemic crises (McIntosh et al., 2022; National Association of School Nurses, 2020). Educational programs that can strengthen the knowledge, practice, and communication skills of school nurses should be developed and provided on an ongoing basis.
Socio-economic impacts of emerging infectious diseases in Africa
Published in Infectious Diseases, 2022
Raphael Nyaruaba, Charles Obinwanne Okoye, Otobong Donald Akan, Caroline Mwaliko, Chike Chukwuenyem Ebido, Adeola Ayoola, Emmanuel Ayodeji Ayeni, Chuks Kenneth Odoh, Manzama-Esso Abi, Omosalewa Adebanjo, Greater Kayode Oyejobi
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) has been defined as infections that newly appear within a population or pre-existed but are now rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range [1]. Africa is known to be home to not only emerging and but also re-emerging infectious diseases. Most of those emerging infectious diseases that cause death to humans are presumed to originate from Africa [2]. Classical examples of emerging infectious diseases that caused public health burdens in the past decade across Africa include tuberculosis, Ebola, malaria, measles, Yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and the recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [2–5]. Table 1 presents a detailed summary of EIDs in Africa, while a timeline of EIDs in Africa in the past decade is shown in Figure 1(A).
Sepsis in the critically ill patient: current and emerging management strategies
Published in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2021
Nicholas Heming, Eric Azabou, Xavier Cazaumayou, Pierre Moine, Djillali Annane
Emerging infectious diseases are proving to be major healthcare issues. Emerging infectious disease-causing sepsis includes for instance Ebola [89]. Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for severe lung injury has spread from Wuhan, China, affecting the health of millions as well as having severe consequences on the economy [90]. As of 30 September 2020, >1,000,000 deaths have been caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [91]. Severe COVID-19 infection does meet the formal definition of sepsis i.e. life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection whether the infectious agent is viral or bacterial [1]. Severe COVID-19 infections are associated with increased plasma levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with significant morbi-mortality [92,93].