Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
Military Institute of Armament Technology, Prymasa Stefana Wyszyńskiego 7, 05-220 Zielonka, Poland.
Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Nov 6;56(11):591. doi: 10.3390/medicina56110591.
Pathogens are various organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can cause severe illnesses to their hosts. Throughout history, pathogens have accompanied human populations and caused various epidemics. One of the most significant outbreaks was the Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century and caused the death of one-third of Europe's population. Pathogens have also been studied for their use as biological warfare agents by the former Soviet Union, Japan, and the USA. Among bacteria and viruses, there are high priority agents that have a significant impact on public health. , , , Variola virus, Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg), Arenoviruses (Lassa), and influenza viruses are included in this group of agents. Outbreaks and infections caused by them might result in social disruption and panic, which is why special operations are needed for public health preparedness. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria that significantly impede treatment and recovery of patients are also valid threats. Furthermore, recent events related to the massive spread of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are an example of how virus-induced diseases cannot be ignored. The impact of outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, have had far-reaching consequences beyond public health. The economic losses due to lockdowns are difficult to estimate, but it would take years to restore countries to pre-outbreak status. For countries affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their health systems have been overwhelmed, resulting in an increase in the mortality rate caused by diseases or injuries. Furthermore, outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, will induce serious, wide-ranging (and possibly long-lasting) psychological problems among, not only health workers, but ordinary citizens (this is due to isolation, quarantine, etc.). The aim of this paper is to present the most dangerous pathogens, as well as general characterizations, mechanisms of action, and treatments.
病原体是各种生物体，如病毒、细菌、真菌和原生动物，它们可以使宿主患上严重疾病。纵观历史，病原体一直伴随着人类，并引发各种传染病。其中最严重的一次爆发是 14 世纪的黑死病，它导致欧洲三分之一的人口死亡。病原体也被前苏联、日本和美国研究用于生物战剂。在细菌和病毒中，有一些高优先级的病原体对公共卫生有重大影响。天花病毒、丝状病毒（埃博拉、马尔堡）、沙粒病毒（拉萨）和流感病毒都属于这组病原体。由它们引起的爆发和感染可能导致社会混乱和恐慌，这就是为什么需要公共卫生准备的特别行动。抗生素耐药细菌也严重阻碍了患者的治疗和康复，这也是一个有效的威胁。此外，最近与严重急性呼吸系统综合征冠状病毒 2（SARS-CoV-2）大规模传播有关的事件就是一个例子，说明人们不能忽视病毒引起的疾病。SARS-CoV-2 等疫情爆发的影响远远超出了公共卫生范围。由于封锁造成的经济损失难以估计，但要使各国恢复到疫情前的状态可能需要数年时间。对于受 2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）影响的国家，其卫生系统已经不堪重负，导致疾病或伤害导致的死亡率上升。此外，SARS-CoV-2 等疫情的爆发将在卫生工作者和普通公民中引发严重的、广泛的（可能是长期的）心理问题（这是由于隔离、检疫等原因）。本文的目的是介绍最危险的病原体，以及它们的一般特征、作用机制和治疗方法。
