Critical gaps in knowledge of where infectious diseases occur

Critical gaps in our knowledge of where infectious diseases occur
We have more knowledge about the distribution of rare and cryptic species of birds than rare and deadly viruses. Credit: C. Rahbek, L. A. Hansen, J. Fjeldså, One-degree resolution database of the global distribution of birds (The Natural History Museum, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2012)

The scientific journal Nature Ecology & Evolution has published a joint statement from scientists at the University of Copenhagen and North Carolina State University calling attention to a serious lack of data on the worldwide distribution of disease-causing organisms. Without this data, predicting where and when the next disease outbreak will emerge is inhibited. Macroecologists have the expertise to create the needed data network and close the knowledge gaps.

Scientists lack fundamental about the of a wide range of disease-causing species from viruses and bacteria to parasites. The lead author, Assistant Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, explains, "Today, we know less about where disease-causing organisms occur than the global distribution of most mammals, birds and even ants. Without this basic knowledge, it is very hard to predict if, for instance, certain bacteria or parasites transmitted via mosquitoes or other bloodsucking insects are likely to spread or not, and what measures we must take in order to prevent this."

Scientists have registered more than 2100 organisms worldwide known to make people sick. Of these, 355 are defined as clinically important and collectively kill almost 10 million people each year, mainly in the tropics. This disproportion has great implications for global health and economy. Yet, scientists only have detailed knowledge about fewer than 17 of these diseases' distribution.

Critical gaps in our knowledge of where infectious diseases occur
The best data available globally for the distribution of the majority of the disease-causing organisms is that of geopolitical units, (most country, some state or regional level), a grain so large that individual sampling units includes habitats ranging from subtropical forests to tundra. Credit: M. Wardeh, C. Risley, M. K. McIntyre, C. Setzkorn, M. Baylis, Database of host-pathogen and related species interactions, and their global distribution. Scientific data 2, 150049 (2015)

"For most disease-causing viruses, bacteria and parasites, we know only which countries they can be found in, not their prevalence, nor how they are changing over time. And even these terribly coarse data are often privately held. We are really still in the dark, ignorant about the species most likely to do civilization in," says co-lead author Professor Rob Dunn from North Carolina State University.

Networks similar to the one the scientists call for already exist for other organisms. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), for instance, is a platform to collect and make huge amounts of biodiversity data accessible. GBIF includes 700 million records of animals, fungi and plants shared by 977 institutions worldwide.

"It is possible to close the by deploying the expertise to set up the required network of databases. But researchers need to recognize the threat we face until it is established. I am sure that when people realise this, that time, money and collaboration among experts from cross-cutting disciplines will not be hard to get. But until then, we cannot foresee how disease-spreading move, interact and emerge due to climate changes, intensified agriculture or urbanization," says senior-author Professor Carsten Rahbek.

More information: The neglected geography of human pathogens and diseases. Nature Ecology & Evolution, DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0190

Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution

Citation: Critical gaps in knowledge of where infectious diseases occur (2017, June 23) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2017-06-critical-gaps-knowledge-infectious-diseases.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Spotting the knowledge gaps in biological species data

15 shares

Feedback to editors