Reasons for the increase in emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases

Abstract

In the past two decades, humans have faced many new viral infectious agents in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Many factors contribute to the appearance of EIDs. These factors are complex but can be classified into three different categories: virus factors, human factors, and ecological factors. The factors contributing to the cause of such viral infectious diseases will be systematically reviewed in this article.

Evolutionary Trajectory for the Emergence of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

“…Generally, emerging and re-emerging viral infections belong to the RNA family of viruses since these viruses have high mutation rates that lead to eminent environmental adaptation with rapid evolution [27]. To date, very little knowledge is available about SARS-CoV-2.…”

Animal (De)liberation: Should the Consumption of Animal Products Be Banned?

“…The causes underlying the emergence and the re-emergence of zoonoses are complex. Whereas a detailed overview of these is provided by Ka-Wai Hui (2006), at least four reasons show that the consumption of animal products poses a significant concern. Firstly, the scale of the farmed animals' sector is unprecedented, increasing risk due to the sheer size of the animal population.…”

“…One of the most well-known zoonoses is HIV/AIDS: HIV-1 is thought to have emerged from SIVcpz, a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) found in a sub-species of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) (Peeters et al 1989); HIV-2 is thought to stem from SIVsmm, an SIV found in the sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys) (Marx et al 1991;Ka-Wai Hui 2006). Both HIV strains are likely to have emerged from human contact with the blood of infected chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys, possibly through butchering practices (Chitnis et al 2000).…”

“…Pigs are considered to be good mixing vessels for the development of new zoonotic viruses as they are susceptible to both bird and human viruses, which is why pigs who enter into contact with both host species are particularly good virus creators (Ka-Wai Hui 2006). In 2009, a new influenza virus, the swine-origin influenza A H1N1 virus, started to infect human beings.…”

Spatial data issues in geographical zoonoses research

“…Morse (1995) cited factors such as agriculture, population change, globalization of food supplies, trade and travel, and disinvestments in public health infrastructures. Hui (2006) categorized drivers as human, viral, and ecological. Mayer (2000) foresaw how global climate change was linked to the microbial traffic flows that spawn new diseases and expand the ranges of existing ones.…”