Emerging infectious diseases - A briefing from the Board of Science
November 2004
Useful publications
House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (2003) Fighting infection 1
This report provides a thorough review of UK infection control structures and is particularly useful in explaining the lines of accountability and information flow on infectious diseases in the UK. The report concludes that arrangements for formal collaboration between bodies are poor and lines of accountability unclear. It contains chapters on:
- diagnosis and treatment
- prevention and control
- surveillance
- information systems
- training and education
- research and development
- collaboration and coordination
Department of Health (2002) Getting ahead of the curve: A strategy for combating infectious diseases (including other aspects of health promotion) 2
This Department of Health publication sets out an infectious diseases strategy for England. It describes the scope and nature of the threat posed by infectious diseases to the health of the population and establishes priorities for action to combat present as well as possible future threats posed by infectious diseases. The publication discusses recent examples of new and emerging diseases.
It also outlines the factors driving change in infection, including the impact of technology, environmental change and land use, global travel and trade, climate change, microbial adaptation, human behaviour and impaired immune systems.
In addition, the report discusses surveillance and organisation of services in England; diagnostic and reference microbiology laboratories; public health legislation; communicating with the public; and the workforce dealing with infectious diseases. Infectious diseases covered in particular detail include: tuberculosis, hospital acquired infection, antimicrobial resistance (MRSA), blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
www.publications.doh.gov.uk/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1998) Preventing emerging infectious diseases: A strategy for the 21st Century 3
The main focus of this report is the prevention of emerging infectious diseases in the US and internationally, examining surveillance and response, applied research, infrastructure and training, and prevention and control. An introduction gives examples of emerging infectious diseases.
www.cdc.gov
Institute of Medicine (1992) Emerging infections: microbial threats to health in the United States 4
This is a US based report but it emphasises the intimate links between US and international health. It describes the major factors contributing to disease emergence, including social, environmental and microbial factors. The report played an important role in drawing attention to the ongoing threat posed by infectious diseases. It pointed to major challenges for the public health and medical care communities in detecting and managing infectious disease outbreaks and monitoring the prevalence of endemic diseases.
www.nap.edu/books
References
1. House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (2003) Fighting infection. London: The Stationery Office.
2. Department of Health (2002) Getting ahead of the curve: A strategy for combating infectious diseases (including other aspects of health promotion). London: Department of Health.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1998) Preventing emerging infectious diseases: A strategy for the 21st Century. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
4. Institute of Medicine (1992) Emerging infections: microbial threats to health in the United States. Washington DC: Institute of Medicine.