In discussing emerging infectious diseases, the focus is often on the clinical effects of the hostparasite relationship, i.e., the impact on the health and survival of humans and animals, rather than the examination of the biology of the pathogen. It seems fitting to take a moment to reflect on how pathogens “got that way in the first place.” Thus, while we discuss emerging infections, it is worthwhile to consider that from the beginning of recorded history—in books or the pictographs of ancient cultures—infectious diseases have been the leading cause of illness and death. Even today, because of infectious diseases most of the world’s population does not have the luxury of living long enough to succumb to the chronic diseases of aging.
展开▼
