Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives on Infections and Morbidity

Infectious disease outbreaks can cause significant mortality and morbidity in humans, wild and domestic animals, and plants. Factors such as biodiversity, natural habitats, rapid urbanization, and unwholesome lifestyles contribute to the complexity of the situation. This book emphasizes the need for a wider and holistic perspective in addressing human diseases, considering morbidity from an ecological and evolutionary viewpoint, which is often neglected in healthcare systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 315 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: IGI Global

Infectious disease outbreaks have profound consequences for both humans and wildlife, resulting in significant mortality and morbidity. These outbreaks can lead to substantial economic and socio-cultural losses, impacting communities and societies. However, it is important to note that exposure to pathogens does not always result in infections or disease transmission. Various factors, including host immunity, environmental conditions, and genetic predisposition, play a role in determining the manifestation of diseases.

The infectious organisms that cause diseases are part of a complex web of biodiversity, interconnected with other species in the environment. The host species, whether humans, animals, or plants, are also essential components of this ecological system. The transmission of infectious diseases occurs through a chain of events that involve high contact between the pathogenic species and the host, either directly or indirectly. This can occur through intermediate hosts or vectors, such as mosquitoes or ticks.

Preserving natural habitats is crucial for public health. Habitats with high biological diversity provide a natural check on population growth and can help curb disease transmission. These habitats support a diverse range of species, including beneficial bacteria, viruses, and insects, which play a role in maintaining ecosystem balance and promoting health. Additionally, diverse and heterogeneous factors, such as rapid urbanization, sprawl into natural habitats, increasing human-animal conflicts, decreasing environmental quality, languid waste disposal systems, rising contamination/pollution of natural systems, and increasingly unwholesome lifestyles, further complicate the situation.

This book aims to address human diseases from a broader and holistic perspective, particularly focusing on morbidity from an ecological viewpoint. It also explores infections from an evolutionary perspective, recognizing the importance of understanding the origins. These perspectives are often neglected in healthcare systems, which primarily focus on individual treatments and interventions. By adopting a holistic approach, healthcare providers can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of diseases and develop more effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and management.

In conclusion, infectious disease outbreaks have significant consequences for human and wildlife health. While exposure to pathogens is a necessary step in the transmission of diseases, diverse factors determine the manifestation and outcome of infections. Preserving natural habitats and adopting a holistic approach to healthcare can help mitigate the impact of these outbreaks and promote better health outcomes for all.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781799894148