Dangerous Pathogens as a Potential Problem for Public Health

Abstract

Pathogens are various organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can cause severe illnesses to their hosts. Throughout history, pathogens have accompanied human populations and caused various epidemics. One of the most significant outbreaks was the Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century and caused the death of one-third of Europe’s population. Pathogens have also been studied for their use as biological warfare agents by the former Soviet Union, Japan, and the USA. Among bacteria and viruses, there are high priority agents that have a significant impact on public health. Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Variola virus, Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg), Arenoviruses (Lassa), and influenza viruses are included in this group of agents. Outbreaks and infections caused by them might result in social disruption and panic, which is why special operations are needed for public health preparedness. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria that significantly impede treatment and recovery of patients are also valid threats. Furthermore, recent events related to the massive spread of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are an example of how virus-induced diseases cannot be ignored. The impact of outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, have had far-reaching consequences beyond public health. The economic losses due to lockdowns are difficult to estimate, but it would take years to restore countries to pre-outbreak status. For countries affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their health systems have been overwhelmed, resulting in an increase in the mortality rate caused by diseases or injuries. Furthermore, outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, will induce serious, wide-ranging (and possibly long-lasting) psychological problems among, not only health workers, but ordinary citizens (this is due to isolation, quarantine, etc.). The aim of this paper is to present the most dangerous pathogens, as well as general characterizations, mechanisms of action, and treatments.

The role of bio-detection dogs in the prevention and diagnosis of infectious diseases: A systematic review

“…These pathogens include bacteria such as Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, viruses such as Variolavirus, filoviruses (Ebola), arenoviruses (Lassa), and influenza viruses as well as parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum (Malaria). Authorities outlined the critical importance of affordable, fast and reliable diagnostic methods to prevent spread of dangerous infectious agents as the outbreaks affect not only the health issues and economy but also they result in social disruption and panic in the human population (27).…”

Yersinia Pestis e a Peste: uma visão holística no século 21/ Yersinia Pestis and The Plague: a holistic view in the 21st century

“…O primeiro tipo de manifestação é a peste bubônica ou ganglionar, que se trata da forma clínica mais frequente, estando presente em praticamente 100% dos casos (JANIK E, et al, 2020). É caracterizada pela presença do bubão pestoso que surge no segundo ou no terceiro dia na região da picada da pulga, sendo mais comum na parte inguinal-crural (70%), seguido da axilar (20%) (JANIK E, et al, 2020). O bubão tem formato redondo e é extremamente doloroso, sendo móvel no início, mas adquirindo um padrão fixo ao aderir aos planos profundos (NIKIFOROV VV, et al, 2016).…”

“…2021 intensa, dor no corpo, congestão das conjuntivas, além de pulso rápido e irregular, taquicardia e hipotensão arterial (NIKIFOROV VV, et al, 2016). É comum haver inversão do ritmo circadiano, delírio e incoordenação motora com marcha ébria -que evolui para lentificação e comprometimento dos movimentos voluntários (JANIK E, et al, 2020). Ademais, podem ocorrer distúrbios da fala, como a disartria e meningite pestosa (JANIK E, et al, 2020).…”

“…É comum haver inversão do ritmo circadiano, delírio e incoordenação motora com marcha ébria -que evolui para lentificação e comprometimento dos movimentos voluntários (JANIK E, et al, 2020). Ademais, podem ocorrer distúrbios da fala, como a disartria e meningite pestosa (JANIK E, et al, 2020). Não obstante, uma peste bubônica não tratada ou mal tratada, pode causar, em 60-95% dos casos, a morte dentro de uma semana -geralmente após uma síncope severa ou de um coma de dois a três dias de duração (JANIK E, et al, 2020;NIKIFOROV VV, et al, 2016).…”

Legionella pneumophila — The causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease

“…Throughout history, human populations have encountered several serious epidemics caused by pathogens [1][2][3] . Pathogens are various organisms that cause severe illnesses to their hosts, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] .…”