Infectious Diseases Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low income countries and especially in young children. The leading killers are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, however, lower respiratory infections (including pneumonia) and diarrheal diseases are also 2 of the top 10 causes of death globally according to the most recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Infectious diseases can be caused by several different types of pathogenic organisms including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Transmission can occur through several different mechanisms such as contact with aerosolized droplets or infected skin, ingestion of contaminated food and water, sexual contact or through specialized hosts called vectors (e.g. mosquitoes). The prevention and control of infectious diseases has been one of the principal public health activities of this century however they continue to pose a great health problem. New diseases are continuing to emerge and growing evidence also suggests that genetic changes in infectious agents are increasing their risk of causing serious diseases. Early diagnosis can play a critical role in preventing and controlling the spread of disease by reducing its morbidity and mortality. Traditional methodologies for diagnosing infectious diseases such as microbial or viral culture and microscopy, are continually being replaced by rapid and/or more sensitive alternatives such as immunoassays and molecular diagnostics. Rapid, point-of-care (POC) IVD tests that are easy to use have been largely sought after for their convenience, portability, and quick turn-around times allowing for faster decision making in regards to treatment and disease control. Diagnostic assays that directly identify an infectious agent have become increasingly essential to
THE TOP TEN LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH
Low income countries
High income countries Ischemic heart disease
Rank Worldwide
Ischemic heart disease
Lower respiratory infection
1
2 Stroke 3 COPD
HIV/AIDS
Stroke
Diarrheal diseases Lung Cancers
Lower respiratory infection
Alzheimer’s disease
4
Stroke
Ischemic heart disease
5 Lung Cancers
COPD
Lower respiratory infection
6 HIV/AIDS
Malaria
Diarrheal diseases
Preterm birth complications Tuberculosis
7
Colon Cancer
8 Diabetes
Diabetes
Birth asphyxia and trauma
Hypertensive heart disease
9 Road injury
Hypertensive heart disease
10
Malnutrition
Breast Cancer
Source: World Health Organization (2012)
managing patient treatment and preventing disease outbreaks.
Infectious Diseases & Toxins - Reagents for Assay Development II
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