Current Innovations in the Diagnosis and Immunization of Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonoses

Abstract

Zoonoses caused by multiple etiological agents pose a serious threat to humans as well as animals globally. These diseases affect both the sexes, all age groups, in rural and urban settings, and in all seasons. Zoonotic diseases occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form causing high morbidity and mortality. Most zoonoses involve multiple modes of transmission, such as ingestion, direct contact, inhalation, animal bite and others. Also, more than 60% of recently emerging viruses exhibit zoonotic characteristics, thereby posing a significant menace to global public health. The spread of these diseases is mostly caused by a number of factors, such as global trade, intensive animal husbandry, climate change, variations to immunization protocols, and antibiotic resistance. Effective disease control necessitates the interdisciplinary collaboration advocated by the One Health approach. This study investigates novel diagnostic and vaccination techniques while doing a detailed analysis of newly emerging and re-emerging zoonoses and explaining the factors that led to their emergence. Next-generation sequencing and rapid diagnostic testing are examples of technological innovations that have improved disease surveillance and detection. Furthermore, advancements in mRNA vaccines show promising future, albeit their broad applicability is yet uncertain. Putting preventive and control measures into action- such as One Health campaigns, strong surveillance systems, and extensive vaccination drives- is essential to limit the adverse effects of zoonotic diseases on people's health, livestock and the environment.