DefinePK

Abstract

World Health Organization defined emerging infectious diseases (EID) as diseases of infectious origin whose incidence in humans has increased in the recent past or is threatened to increase in near future.1 These also include those infections which appear in new geographic areas or increase abruptly.
During the past 30years more than 30 new organisms have been detected including Ebola virus, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C,highly pathogenic strains of Influenza virus H5N1, H1N1, Legionella, E.Coli O:157 H7 (1982), Vibriocholera O139, Borrelia burdugferi, Creudtz-felt Jacob disease, hand foot and mouth disease (caused by enterovirus 71), dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis (caused by westnile virus).
Emerging infectious diseases (EID) cause a heavy toll on mortalities morbidities and economy, particularly in the developing and underdeveloped regions. These lead to 12 million deaths globally and account for seven out of ten top most causes of death in children.1
Changes in human behaviours and customs provide opportunity to microbes to produce epidemics. Another important reason for emergence of these infectious diseases is the ability of microbes to attain genetic versatility to escape detection by human immune system. Changes in working, living and travel habits, as well as climate change, contribute to a changing global disease burden.
Migration within and between countries because of search for employment, resulting from insurgence, disasters and many other reasons, is also increasing. These migrations increase the opportunity for diseases to spread rapidly between populations, and may result in the re-introduction of infectious diseases or may hasten the spread of pandemics. The most currently documented pandemics are H5N1 (Avian influenza), and H1N1 (swine flu) in year 2009.2
Increased human and animal interaction, food and environmental safety issues are the other strong contributors to zoonotic and foodborne infectious diseases. More than 60% of emerging infectious diseases are caused by zoonotic pathogens. Of these >71% are from wildlife origin.3 Often insidious onset and delayed development of clinical signs hinder appropriate diagnosis and management. Besides, movements of animals used for agricultural trade, sport, and as companions also offer opportunities for further dissemination of infections. Animals removed from the food supply due to infection or suspected infection can adversely affect global economy. The impact of zoonotic epidemics from 1995 to 2008, many of them preventable, exceeded $120 billion globally.4 Animal based surveillance prior to dissemination of Zoonotic pathogens is a consideration, but it is challenging and its cost effectiveness is not yet ascertained.5
Rapid globalization of food production and trade has increased the likelihood of international incidents involving contaminated food. Sustaining food safety standards will depend on constant vigilance maintained by monitoring and surveillance.6
Southeast Asian region is home to 25% of world population and 30% of world\\\'s poor.7 In Southeast Asian region, though 86% of the population is claimed to have access to improved water supply, the quality and safety of water is often under-rated.1
In Southeast Asia, biological, social, ecological, and technological processes interconnect and pave the way for microbes to exploit new ecological niches. These processes include population growth and movement, urbanisation, changes in food production, agriculture and land use, water and sanitation, and the effect of health systems through generation of drug resistance.8
Recently there have been outbreaks of severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS), Avian Influenza, Nipah virus, and dengue fever in the Southeast Asia Region.1 With regard to control of respiratory viral emerging infectious diseases, there is a need to evaluate new technologies and automation beyond conventional or real-time amplification and detection methods to address broad-spectrum diagnosis and for pandemic preparedness.9 Besides protection of poultry workers by protected clothing, clean and decontaminated work place, antiviral medication and immunization with seasonal influenza vaccine should be employed to limit transmission.10
According to WHO, diarrhoea accounts for 19% of global deaths in children under 5 years of age and in Southeast Asian region it has highest proportionate mortality (25%).11 Rota-virus is the major killer in both developed and developing countries, causing approximately 352,000-592,000 deaths in children