Infectious diseases and its global epidemiology

The term “infectious diseases” gained recognition in the 21st century due to significant mortality rates exceeding one billion people in developed and developing nations. Numerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions, cause infectious diseases that can be transmitted between hosts through various mechanisms, such as airborne transmission, transmission via intermediate animal hosts, direct human-to-human transmission, close-contact situations, and vector-borne transmission. Globalization and increased connectivity have accelerated the spread of infectious diseases across national borders. The rising incidence of infectious diseases presents a formidable challenge for scientists and epidemiologists. Infectious diseases, whether emerging, re-emerging, or neglected, profoundly impact individuals, communities, and nations. Public health continuously faces the challenges of emerging infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These circumstances highlight the importance of global collaboration, research, and ensuring equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. Studies on emerging and neglected infectious diseases have demonstrated how pathogens evolve and interact with hosts, thereby influencing their global dissemination. Environmental, socioeconomic, and ecological factors are responsible for their epidemiology which can be eradicated with constant public awareness and other preventive measures.