RE-EMERGING INFECTIONS

Abstract

Despite effective and extensive vaccination, infectious diseases such as pertussis, diphtheria, syphilis and Hansen’s disease are on the rise since the last few decades in the United States with outbreaks being reported in many other countries like Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom and Chile in the last decade. While certain infections such as syphilis have plausible reason for the resurgence explained by increases in high-risk sexual behavior among people from all socio-demographic backgrounds, re-emergence of infections like Hansen’s disease is due to high level of migration from endemic zones, secondary drug resistance or irrational use of antibiotics. Continuous monitoring of antigenic changes in the bacteria and evolution of resistance to antibiotics along with regular surveillance on the duration of immunity achieved by the vaccine is necessary. The re-emergence could also be due to changes in the transmission patterns and epidemiology of infections like pertussis and possible waning ofvaccine induced immunity in adults as seen by the growing trend of cases amongst adults and adolescents. Some of the steps which can be taken to control pertussis are ensuring high ontime vaccine coverage of above 90% all over the globe particularly for the primary vaccination schedule and first booster doses. It is better to protect the newborn by immunisation of pregnant mothers and healthcare workers and by cocooning. Three major measures to counter the resurgence of diphtheria are high immunization coverage nearly 90% of target groups (including children at 5 years and adults), prompt diagnosis and management of