Researchers Identify 30 Pathogens That Could Trigger Next Global Pandemic

Researchers have identified 30 pathogens that could potentially trigger the next global pandemic. This finding is alarming due to the high contagiousness and virulence of these diseases, combined with the lack of effective treatments available.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its list of “priority pathogens” to include influenza A, dengue virus, and monkeypox virus. This list aims to guide research and development for new medications, vaccines, and diagnostics.

Addressing Immediate Needs for High-Risk Infections

The updated list was created based on data showing these infections are highly contagious and severe, with no effective treatments at present. Ana Maria Henao Restrepo, who leads the WHO’s R&D Blueprint for Epidemics, emphasized the importance of this prioritization. She stated, “The prioritization process helps identify critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed urgently.”

Neelika Malavige, an immunologist from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Colombo, Sri Lanka, contributed to the review. She emphasized that revisiting the list was crucial due to the current global situation. Over the past two years, more than 200 experts evaluated 1,652 diseases, focusing on viruses and some bacteria. From this analysis, 30 pathogens were selected for priority status.

Among these are Merbecovirus, which includes the virus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is also on the list. The updated list also includes the monkeypox virus, which caused a global outbreak in 2022.

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Even though smallpox was eradicated in 1980, its relative, the variola virus, is included due to the lack of current vaccinations and its potential use as a biological weapon. Additionally, six influenza A viruses are listed, including H5, which caused an outbreak in U.S. cattle. Two infections that spread between people are also included. Scientists suggest that rapid urbanization and climate change could increase the likelihood of these viruses spreading widely.