Tuberculosis, Lung Infections, and Respiratory Care

Emerging and Zoonotic Respiratory Infections

Emerging and zoonotic respiratory infections represent a growing global health concern due to their potential for rapid transmission, high morbidity, and occasional pandemic spread. These infections originate from pathogens that jump from animals to humans, including viruses such as influenza A subtypes, coronaviruses like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as bacterial agents such as Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis. Environmental changes, increased human-animal interaction, global travel, and urbanization have accelerated the emergence and spread of these infections, highlighting the need for vigilant surveillance and rapid response systems.

Diagnosis of emerging and zoonotic respiratory infections often relies on a combination of clinical assessment, molecular testing, serology, and imaging, as early symptoms can be nonspecific and overlap with more common respiratory illnesses. Management strategies focus on supportive care, targeted antiviral or antibacterial therapy when available, and strict infection control measures to limit transmission.