New microbes and new infections

A fascinating topic! The discovery of new microbes and the emergence of new infections is an ongoing process that has significant implications for human health, medicine, and our understanding of the natural world. Here are some recent examples:

New microbes:

  1. Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum: A bacterium that causes a disease in potatoes, known as zebra chip disease, was discovered in 2017. This bacterium is transmitted by a plant-hopper insect and can cause significant economic losses in the potato industry.
  2. Candidatus Phytoplasma solani: A bacterium that causes a disease in tomatoes, known as tomato big bud disease, was discovered in 2019. This bacterium is transmitted by a leafhopper insect and can cause significant yield losses in tomato crops.
  3. Novosphingobium sp.: A new species of bacteria was discovered in 2020 in the gut of a termite. This bacterium has the ability to break down cellulose, a key component of plant cell walls, and could have implications for biofuel production and biotechnology.

New infections:

  1. COVID-19: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, was first identified in late 2019 and has since spread globally, infecting millions of people.
  2. Monkeypox: A viral disease that was previously rare in humans, monkeypox has been spreading rapidly in recent years, with cases reported in multiple countries.
  3. Lassa fever: A viral disease that is common in West Africa, Lassa fever has been spreading to new areas, including the United States, in recent years.
  4. Blastomycosis: A fungal disease that is common in North America, blastomycosis has been spreading to new areas, including the southeastern United States, in recent years.

Why are new microbes and infections emerging?

  1. Climate change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the distribution and behavior of microbes, leading to the emergence of new diseases.
  2. Deforestation and land use changes: The destruction of natural habitats can lead to the emergence of new diseases by bringing humans and animals into contact with previously isolated microbes.
  3. Globalization and trade: The increased movement of people, goods, and services around the world can facilitate the spread of new microbes and diseases.
  4. Antimicrobial resistance: The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microbes, making it more difficult to treat infections.

What can be done to address the emergence of new microbes and infections?

  1. Surveillance and monitoring: Continuous monitoring of microbial populations and disease outbreaks can help identify new microbes and infections early on.
  2. Research and development: Funding for research into the biology and ecology of microbes, as well as the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments, is essential for addressing the emergence of new microbes and infections.
  3. Public health preparedness: Governments and healthcare systems must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to new outbreaks, including having robust surveillance systems, emergency response plans, and adequate resources.
  4. Global cooperation: International cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing the global threat posed by the emergence of new microbes and infections.