Special Issue on Understanding Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-371
Author(s):  
Fumiko Kasuga
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Disaster Research

Recent developments in medicine and anti-microbial treatment based on intensive research on basic microbiology have successfully been controlling many infectious diseases to be nonfatal. As stated by Dr. Nobuhiko Okabe in the first section of this issue, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases still threaten human lives and health both in developing and industrialized countries. A multiprefectural outbreak of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O111 and O157 due to raw beef consumption took the lives of victims, including young children, earlier this year in Japan, following which people worldwide were panicked by news from Europe of a huge outbreak of EHEC O104. Infectious diseases result from interaction between pathogens and humans including our behaviors. The Journal of Disaster Research has already drawn readers’ attention to infectious diseases in its special issue on “Our Social Activities Are Always Related to Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases,” with Guest Editor Dr. Masayuki Saijo in JDR Vol.4, No.5, October, 2009. That issue reviewed the background behind infectious disease emergence and reemergence using examples of viral diseases that could cause serious public health concerns, and emphasized the need for preparedness and responses, including against bioterrorism. The present issue again reminds readers of the threat of infectious diseases by demonstrating bacterial and viral infections, focusing more on basic knowledge about these pathogens. Disease history, and epidemiology and the microbiological nature of pathogens and infection pathways are summarized. Treatment, vaccination and other control measures, and law and other social systems for controlling disease are also reviewed. We believe that a better understanding of pathogens will enable society to build better strategies for overcoming problems with emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, such as appropriate preventive measures, treatment and control for preventing outbreaks from expanding. We also hope that such considerations are also useful to disaster control experts in other areas. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the authors and reviewers for their great contributions to this issue, and to the Editorial Board and the Secretariat of the Journal of Disaster Research for their continuous encouragement and assistance.

scholarly journals Is the oral microbiome a source to enhance mucosal immunity against infectious diseases?

npj Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Zenobia ◽  
Karla-Luise Herpoldt ◽  
Marcelo Freire
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Oral Mucosa ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Th17 Response

AbstractMucosal tissues act as a barrier throughout the oral, nasopharyngeal, lung, and intestinal systems, offering first-line protection against potential pathogens. Conventionally, vaccines are applied parenterally to induce serotype-dependent humoral response but fail to drive adequate mucosal immune protection for viral infections such as influenza, HIV, and coronaviruses. Oral mucosa, however, provides a vast immune repertoire against specific microbial pathogens and yet is shaped by an ever-present microbiome community that has co-evolved with the host over thousands of years. Adjuvants targeting mucosal T-cells abundant in oral tissues can promote soluble-IgA (sIgA)-specific protection to confer increased vaccine efficacy. Th17 cells, for example, are at the center of cell-mediated immunity and evidence demonstrates that protection against heterologous pathogen serotypes is achieved with components from the oral microbiome. At the point of entry where pathogens are first encountered, typically the oral or nasal cavity, the mucosal surfaces are layered with bacterial cohabitants that continually shape the host immune profile. Constituents of the oral microbiome including their lipids, outer membrane vesicles, and specific proteins, have been found to modulate the Th17 response in the oral mucosa, playing important roles in vaccine and adjuvant designs. Currently, there are no approved adjuvants for the induction of Th17 protection, and it is critical that this research is included in the preparedness for the current and future pandemics. Here, we discuss the potential of oral commensals, and molecules derived thereof, to induce Th17 activity and provide safer and more predictable options in adjuvant engineering to prevent emerging infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Bending the epidemic curve: advancements and opportunities to reduce the threat of emerging pathogens

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel N. Desai ◽  
Lawrence C. Madoff
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Epidemic Curve

AbstractThis invited editorial introduces a special issue of Epidemiology & Infection while also discussing advances in emerging infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal distribution of COVID-19 during the first 7 months of the epidemic in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshie Manabe ◽  
Dung Phan ◽  
Yasuhiro Nohara ◽  
Dan Kambayashi ◽  
Thang Huu Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Spatial Cluster ◽  
Spatiotemporal Distribution ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Epidemic Wave

Abstract Background Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of emerging infectious diseases is crucial for implementation of control measures. In the first 7 months from the occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has documented comparatively few cases of COVID-19. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of these cases may contribute to development of global countermeasures. Methods We assessed the spatiotemporal distribution of COVID-19 from 23 January to 31 July 2020 in Vietnam. Data were collected from reports of the World Health Organization, the Vietnam Ministry of Health, and related websites. Temporal distribution was assessed via the transmission classification (local or quarantined cases). Geographical distribution was assessed via the number of cases in each province along with their timelines. The most likely disease clusters with elevated incidence were assessed via calculation of the relative risk (RR). Results Among 544 observed cases of COVID-19, the median age was 35 years, 54.8% were men, and 50.9% were diagnosed during quarantine. During the observation period, there were four phases: Phase 1, COVID-19 cases occurred sporadically in January and February 2020; Phase 2, an epidemic wave occurred from the 1st week of March to the middle of April (Wave 1); Phase 3, only quarantining cases were involved; and Phase 4, a second epidemic wave began on July 25th, 2020 (Wave 2). A spatial cluster in Phase 1 was detected in Vinh Phuc Province (RR, 38.052). In Phase 2, primary spatial clusters were identified in the areas of Hanoi and Ha Nam Province (RR, 6.357). In Phase 4, a spatial cluster was detected in Da Nang, a popular coastal tourist destination (RR, 70.401). Conclusions Spatial disease clustering of COVID-19 in Vietnam was associated with large cities, tourist destinations, people’s mobility, and the occurrence of nosocomial infections. Past experiences with outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases led to quick implementation of governmental countermeasures against COVID-19 and a general acceptance of these measures by the population. The behaviors of the population and the government, as well as the country’s age distribution, may have contributed to the low incidence and small number of severe COVID-19 cases.

scholarly journals Environmental and social influences on emerging infectious diseases: past, present and future

2004 ◽  
Vol 359 (1447) ◽  
pp. 1049-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. McMichael
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Human Ecology ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Human Action ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Major Transitions ◽  
The Past

During the processes of human population dispersal around the world over the past 50 000–100 000 years, along with associated cultural evolution and inter–population contact and conflict, there have been several major transitions in the relationships of Homo sapiens with the natural world, animate and inanimate. Each of these transitions has resulted in the emergence of new or unfamiliar infectious diseases. The three great historical transitions since the initial advent of agriculture and livestock herding, from ca . 10 000 years ago, occurred when: (i) early agrarian–based settlements enabled sylvatic enzootic microbes to make contact with Homo sapiens ; (ii) early Eurasian civilizations (such as the Greek and Roman empires, China and south Asia) came into military and commercial contact, ca . 3000–2000 years ago, swapping their dominant infections; and (iii) European expansionism, over the past five centuries, caused the transoceanic spread of often lethal infectious diseases. This latter transition is best known in relation to the conquest of the Americas by Spanish conquistadores , when the inadvertent spread of measles, smallpox and influenza devastated the Amerindian populations. Today, we are living through the fourth of these great transitional periods. The contemporary spread and increased lability of various infectious diseases, new and old, reflect the combined and increasingly widespread impacts of demographic, environmental, behavioural, technological and other rapid changes in human ecology. Modern clinical medicine has, via blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and the use of hypodermic syringes, created new opportunities for microbes. These have contributed to the rising iatrogenic problems of hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and several other viral infections. Meanwhile, the injudicious use of antibiotics has been a rare instance of human action actually increasing ‘biodiversity’. Another aspect of this fourth transition is that modern hyper–hygienic living restricts microbial exposure in early life. This, in the 1950s, may have contributed to an epidemic of more serious, disabling, poliomyelitis, affecting older children than those affected in earlier, more endemic decades. As with previous human–microbe transitions, a new equilibrial state may lie ahead. However, it certainly will not entail a world free of infectious diseases. Any mature, sustainable, human ecology must come to terms with both the need for, and the needs of, the microbial species that help to make up the interdependent system of life on Earth. Humans and microbes are not ‘at war’; rather, both parties are engaged in amoral, self–interested, coevolutionary struggle. We need to understand better, and therefore anticipate, the dynamics of that process.

scholarly journals Emerging infectious diseases and animal social systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 519-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles L. Nunn ◽  
Peter H. Thrall ◽  
Kelly Stewart ◽  
Alexander H. Harcourt
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases

Presenting the Second JDR Award

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-223
Author(s):  
Tomoyuki Takahashi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
State University ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Disaster Research ◽  
Construction Engineering ◽  
Tsunami Disaster ◽  
Disaster Control ◽  
First Time ◽  
Oregon State University

The Journal of Disaster Research (JDR) has published many special issues in addition to its regular issues. These special issues have included various papers that have covered disasters comprehensively. Among them, the Special Issue on “Tsunami Forces and Effects on Structures” in Vol.4 No.6, 2009 and the Special Issue on “Uncertainties in Tsunami Effects” in Vol.11 No.4, 2016 include practical papers on tsunami disasters which are sure to contribute greatly to tsunami disaster control. The members of the JDR editorial board have unanimously agreed to present this second JDR Award to the editor of the special issues: Harry Yeh Professors, School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, USA I met Professor Harry Yeh for the first time while doing a field survey on the earthquake and tsunami that struck Flores Island, Indonesia in December 1992. He was already a world-renowned researcher, known for his theoretical tsunami research based on accurate hydraulic experiments. I remember that I was deeply impressed with his energetic attitude towards the survey as he worked to reveal phenomena on the disaster site. Since then, I have accompanied him on various disaster surveys, and I have listened to his unique and significant opinions on tsunami studies at many conferences. The two special issues mentioned above reflect his broad range of knowledge and experience. On behalf of the JDR editorial board, I wish to thank Professor Harry Yeh for his efforts and to congratulate him as the winner of the second JDR Award. Tomoyuki Takahashi Professor, Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University, Japan

scholarly journals Scientometric trends for coronaviruses and other emerging viral infections

GigaScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dima Kagan ◽  
Jacob Moran-Gilad ◽  
Michael Fire
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Full Understanding ◽  
The Past ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Very High

Abstract Background COVID-19 is the most rapidly expanding coronavirus outbreak in the past 2 decades. To provide a swift response to a novel outbreak, prior knowledge from similar outbreaks is essential. Results Here, we study the volume of research conducted on previous coronavirus outbreaks, specifically SARS and MERS, relative to other infectious diseases by analyzing >35 million articles from the past 20 years. Our results demonstrate that previous coronavirus outbreaks have been understudied compared with other viruses. We also show that the research volume of emerging infectious diseases is very high after an outbreak and decreases drastically upon the containment of the disease. This can yield inadequate research and limited investment in gaining a full understanding of novel coronavirus management and prevention. Conclusions Independent of the outcome of the current COVID-19 outbreak, we believe that measures should be taken to encourage sustained research in the field.

scholarly journals Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases: Novel Challenges in Today’s World or More of the Same?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2382
Author(s):  
João R. Mesquita
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Human Environment

More than 61% of all human pathogens are zoonotic, representing 75% of all emerging pathogens during the past decade. Albeit significant technological leaps in diagnostics development and disease surveillance, zoonotic emerging infectious diseases are evermore a matter of concern, particularly in modern days where global warming keeps providing ideal climatic conditions to the introduction of exotic infectious agents or disease vectors in new territories. Worryingly, the 2019 novel coronavirus epidemic acts as an extreme reminder of the role animal reservoirs play in public health, accounting for over 4,200,000 deaths worldwide until today. In this Special Issue, we approach a myriad of zoonotic infectious diseases and their complex mechanisms. This Special Issue is composed of three reviews on zoonotic diseases of African Lions, hemogregarine classification, and hepatitis E virus in Brazil, followed by one letter and one opinion piece that broadens the spectrum of disease emergence to mechanistic aspects of emerging non-communicable diseases. The Special Issue is completed by six research papers covering a wide array of emerging and re-emerging diseases of poultry, bovine, poultry and tortoises, of various nature such as parasitic, bacterial, and viral. This is a brief but assertive collection that showcases the need to address health at the animal–human–environment interface, in a One Health perspective.

scholarly journals Scientometric Trends for Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Viral Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dima Kagan ◽  
Jacob Moran-Gilad ◽  
Michael Fire
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Full Understanding ◽  
The Past ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Very High

AbstractCOVID-19 is the most rapidly expanding coronavirus outbreak in the past two decades. To provide a swift response to a novel outbreak, prior knowledge from similar outbreaks is essential. Here, we study the volume of research conducted on previous coronavirus outbreaks, specifically SARS and MERS, relative to other infectious diseases by analyzing over 35 million papers from the last 20 years. Our results demonstrate that previous coronavirus outbreaks have been understudied compared to other viruses. We also show that the research volume of emerging infectious diseases is very high after an outbreak and drops drastically upon the containment of the disease. This can yield inadequate research and limited investment in gaining a full understanding of novel coronavirus management and prevention. Independent of the outcome of the current COVID-19 outbreak, we believe that measures should be taken to encourage sustained research in the field.

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