Monday, September 13, 2010
NDM-1 the Newest Global Health Scare
A bacterium that makes an enzyme called NDM-1 is freaking out global health researchers. Apparently this new superbug is capable of resisting one of the World's most powerful antibiotics - carbapenems. This NDM-1 enzyme producing bacteria can exist inside other infection causing bacteria like E.Coli, making them resistant to antibiotics, possibly all antibiotics. Infections by these NDM-1 infected bacteria could produce infections that are deadly and untreatable. To make matters worse, it is feared that NDM-1 may end up in strains of bacteria that are easily transmitted creating fast moving and deadly international pandemics. So far, isolated cases of NDM-1 infections have been identified in several hospital patients scattered across Great Britain (50 cases) but similar infections are popping up in isolated areas of the U.S., Canada, Holland, Australia. However, in some countries like India and Pakistan it appears to be spreading rapidly and many of the infections identified in Great Britain were in patients who recently had cosmetic surgery in either India or Pakistan. In several cases and of major concern is some of these NDM-1 bacterial infections have spread from hospital patient to hospital patient. While many of the NDM-1 superbug infections detected so far have been treatable with a combination of antibiotics, at least one in Great Britain has resisted all treatment, including treatment with carbapenems, an antibiotic which is normally reserved as a last resort treatment. NDM-1 infection is just the latest in a growing list of new global health superbug infections like H1N1 (Swine Flu) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The fear among health scientists is that the NDM-1 could potentially make many, if not all, types of disease causing bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics. Such and unbeatable bacteria would create a global health problem, particularly if the bacteria is one that is easily transmittable. Overuse of antibiotics coupled with the ability of bacteria to mutate and to become resistant to antibiotics will undoubtedly be a major source of concern for world health researchers for years to come. Meanwhile, the only thing you can do to protect yourself is use hand sanitizers, wash your hands frequently, and hold a hand over your face when you cough or sneeze and take vaccines when available. (Note: One bright spot is the development of vaccine patches which may soon replace sharp needle jabs. Traditional injections by a single needle may soon be replaced by patches with tiny micro needles that you can self apply. The patches will have hundreds of microscopic needles (0.65mm) that are loaded in a skin patch and dissolve into your skin. That's something to look forward to.)These new "Superbugs" like NDM-1 bacteria, E.coli, SARS, Ebola, H1N1,West Nile virus and other emerging health threats caused by mutating pathogens are a real threat to global health and are spreading largely as a result of increases in international trade and travel - we should expect more. The international health community is working non-stop to protect us from infections but without effective antibiotics that job will be tough.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Zoonoses - Emerging Public Health Threat
Zoonoses - say what? You may have never heard this term, but, you have almost certainly heard of H1N1 or SARS or West Nile virus or Ebola virus. Zoonoses are microbiologic infections acquired from animals. Zoonoses can come in the form of bacteria, viruses or parasites. A "zoonosis" (the singular form of zoonoses) is any disease that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. It is estimated that over 60 % of all new human diseases are zoonotic and that over 70 % of these originate with wildlife and people having close contact with pets (especially exotic pets), wild animals or livestock or their food products. Studies over recent years have revealed a pattern of dangerous, even fatal, emerging new human diseases resulting from genetic mutations of known pathogens previously thought dead-ended in non-humans. The increased mobilization of both humans and pets, plus increased use of livestock and animal products have led to deep new concerns for the international health community. Not only the development of new diseases, but also, a recurrence of old diseases is being seen. Some of these diseases, once transmitted to humans, have the potential to create pandemics, like the one now occurring with the H1N1 "swine flu" virus. Besides causing a direct health hazard to humans, they can also affect the world's food supply by requiring the destruction or quarantine of millions of dollars in livestock. The huge international trade in animal products for food, plus the large scale movement of people through tourism, have increased the opportunity for these pathogens to mutate and cross transmit between species. SARS, Ebola virus, H1N1 and West Nile virus are a few that have crossed the species barrier recently and now infect humans, sometimes with devastating effects. The mutated pathogens can be transmitted via the food chain, contact with infected animals or can even be airborne or waterborne in some cases. The increased encroachment of humans into wild animal habitats, the exotic pet trade and the increase in the numbers of animals raised in close proximity are also contributing factors.
What is being done about it? One of the obstacles is detection and identification of the disease syndromes. Lack of documentation of clinical suspicion and the difficulty in recognizing the causes is delaying the identification of these new diseases. The detection and follow up study of the infection's epidemiology will require huge investments and improvements in research. Efforts are underway through GLEWS (Global Early Warning System) in a joint system aimed at coordinating the alert mechanisms of WHO (World Health Organization, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and others in the health community. Much more needs to be done and international cooperation is required. This is truly a World problem.
What can you do? Get immunized for H1N1 and if you own exotic pets or raise livestock be vigilant about their health.You can also keep apprised of developments by keeping up with alerts posted by the World Health Organization. If you now own or decide to purchase an exotic pet ask your veterinarian about health concerns. Purchase your pet from a licensed and reputable exotic pet dealer.
What is being done about it? One of the obstacles is detection and identification of the disease syndromes. Lack of documentation of clinical suspicion and the difficulty in recognizing the causes is delaying the identification of these new diseases. The detection and follow up study of the infection's epidemiology will require huge investments and improvements in research. Efforts are underway through GLEWS (Global Early Warning System) in a joint system aimed at coordinating the alert mechanisms of WHO (World Health Organization, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and others in the health community. Much more needs to be done and international cooperation is required. This is truly a World problem.
What can you do? Get immunized for H1N1 and if you own exotic pets or raise livestock be vigilant about their health.You can also keep apprised of developments by keeping up with alerts posted by the World Health Organization. If you now own or decide to purchase an exotic pet ask your veterinarian about health concerns. Purchase your pet from a licensed and reputable exotic pet dealer.
Labels:
disease,
disease prevention,
Ebola,
flu,
H1N1,
new diseases,
public health,
SARS,
swine flu,
zoonoses
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