Quote from Alex bobby on March 29, 2025, 4:07 AM

24 Dangerous Pathogen Groups Pose Serious Health Risks, UK Experts Warn

A new report from UK biosecurity experts highlights 24 pathogen families that pose significant public health risks. These pathogens, which include viruses and bacteria responsible for diseases like bird flu, COVID-19, and Nipah virus, could potentially trigger the next pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called for urgent research and investment to mitigate the threats they present.

The Growing Threat of Deadly Pathogens

The UKHSA report identifies 24 pathogen families that are dangerous for various reasons: they are highly contagious, cause severe illness, lack sufficient vaccines or treatments, or could be exacerbated by climate change and antibiotic resistance. Among them are pathogens responsible for mpox, coronavirus, norovirus (winter vomiting bug), influenza, gonorrhoea, Ebola, Zika virus, Lassa fever, and Nipah virus.

Nipah virus, for example, is primarily spread by fruit bats and has a high fatality rate, often causing brain swelling. Meanwhile, norovirus, though less lethal, spreads rapidly and can cause widespread outbreaks. The report warns that eight of these pathogen families carry a high or medium risk of sparking a pandemic. While some have existing vaccines or treatments, many are still in the early stages of clinical trials.

Why Research Must Be Prioritised

The UKHSA emphasises the importance of prioritising research on these dangerous pathogens. Dr Isabel Oliver, the agency’s chief scientific officer, stated, "We hope this will help to speed up vaccine and diagnostics development where it is most needed, to ensure we are fully prepared in our fight against potentially deadly pathogens."

Investment in research and development is crucial to ensure timely interventions. Many of these pathogens lack adequate countermeasures, leaving populations vulnerable in the event of an outbreak. Learning from past pandemics, experts stress the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses.

A Double-Edged Sword?

While the UKHSA’s priority list is a step toward better preparedness, some experts caution against its unintended consequences. Jose Vazquez-Boland, chair of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, pointed out that while the list brings attention to high-risk pathogens, it might divert funding from other equally dangerous, but less publicised, infectious diseases.

Similarly, Emma Thomson, director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, stressed the need for continuous updates to the priority list. "It is essential that this list remains dynamic and responsive to emerging threats. History has shown that pandemic risks can arise from unexpected sources," she said.

Lessons from the Past and Looking Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the devastating consequences of being unprepared for an infectious disease outbreak. The new UKHSA report follows an update from the World Health Organisation (WHO) last year, which identified 33 "priority pathogens" as pandemic risks. Both reports highlight the urgent need for global cooperation in pathogen surveillance, research, and vaccine development.

Experts agree that preparedness is key to mitigating the risks posed by emerging infectious diseases. Governments, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies must collaborate to ensure that diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines are readily available before an outbreak occurs.

While no single approach can eliminate the threat of infectious diseases, a proactive, science-driven strategy can significantly reduce the risk of future pandemics. The UKHSA’s findings serve as a reminder that the fight against deadly pathogens is ongoing and that vigilance is essential to protect global health.

Conclusion

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) report underscores the urgent need for global preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. With 24 pathogen families identified as significant health risks—some with the potential to cause the next pandemic—experts are calling for increased research, investment, and vigilance.

While some of these pathogens, such as bird flu, COVID-19, and Nipah virus, are well-known threats, others remain under-explored, lacking effective vaccines or treatments. The report serves as a crucial step in prioritising resources and accelerating scientific advancements to combat these looming dangers.

However, experts also caution that focusing solely on the identified pathogens could divert attention from emerging threats that have yet to be recognised. A dynamic, adaptable approach to infectious disease surveillance and research is essential to staying ahead of unpredictable outbreaks.

The key takeaway is clear: pandemic preparedness must remain a top priority for governments, health agencies, and researchers worldwide. Proactive investment in diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments today could be the difference between containment and catastrophe in the future.