Emergence of new pathogens as a function of changes in host susceptibility.
A pathogen may emerge as an important public health problem because of changes in itself or its transmission pathways. Alternatively, a microorganism may emerge as a pathogen or acquire new public health importance because of changes in host susceptibility to infection. Factors influencing host susceptibility within the population as a whole include increases in the number of immunocompromised patients; increased use of immunosuppressive agents, particularly among persons receiving cancer chemotherapy or undergoing organ transplantation; aging of the population; and malnutrition. In considering the emergence of foodborne pathogens and designing interventions to limit their spread, the susceptibility of these population subgroups to specific infections should be taken into account.
Morris
J G
JG
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. jmorris@umppa1.ab.umd.edu
Potter
M
M
D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents