Identifying and Managing Prominent Priority Pathogens

A new survey commissioned by Abbott Pandemic Defence Coalition asked over 100 global experts in virology, epidemiology, and infectious diseases about their top priorities for improving outbreak preparedness, how environmental changes are affecting infectious diseases, and their ideas for building a resilient healthcare system to detect and respond to new disease outbreaks. The results highlighted viral and mosquito-borne pathogens as the most prominent priority concerns.

We connected with Mary Rodgers, associate research fellow at Abbott to discuss what this means for the field – as well as the general public – moving forward.

What tools do you believe will have the greatest impact on improving early detection of emerging viral and mosquito-borne pathogens?

Early detection of emerging outbreaks relies equally on technology and the people and networks in place that share information. Both active surveillance, such as mosquito monitoring and testing, and passive methods, such as EMR screening or wastewater surveillance, were recommended by the experts in our survey.

In addition, identifying pathogens in acutely ill patients, using diagnostic tests or next-generation sequencing, is vital to monitoring emerging disease threats, as well as tracking how viruses are adapting over time.

Given the growing overlap of human, animal, and viral ecosystems, what strategies would you recommend for enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration in disease monitoring and prevention efforts?

Tracking changes in insect range, animal migration patterns, animal habitat, and extreme weather events – and getting that information into the hands of epidemiologists – is essential. For example, understanding that the mosquito season in the northern hemisphere is growing longer and extending further north means we know to expect and to look for mosquito-borne diseases in wider areas of the world.

Collaboration is also essential. At the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, we talk about “networking the networks” as a core aspect of our mission. Sharing information across regions, networks, and disciplines is important because it enables us to see where viruses are moving and changing so we can respond together.

What are the biggest challenges you foresee in implementing global coordination for tracking insect range shifts, animal migrations, and the resulting risk of new disease outbreaks?

Our experts said surveillance programs and funding for public health infrastructure are the two most urgent pandemic preparedness gaps to address. Understanding that we need to move from focusing resources on one acute outbreak at any given time to an active, multi-pronged effort is critical.

I would also add that working to establish public–private partnerships is an important piece of the puzzle. By having these networks in place on an ongoing basis, we’re able to spot outbreaks early and get that information to the right places to respond.

How can public health systems balance the need for immediate pandemic response with the long-term investment required for surveillance and training the next generation of epidemiologists?

I think sometimes the message gets lost that long-term investment and immediate response do not necessarily need to be at odds. If you’re successful in managing current outbreaks, you’re simultaneously building an infrastructure for future pandemics.

Our work with the TEPHINET training program from the Task Force for Global Health is a great example of this. We wanted to help train young epidemiologists, particularly in low and middle income countries. This collaboration resulted in a fellowship for emerging epidemiologists that provides mentorship and training throughout projects aimed at addressing current public health needs.

What role do you see climate change playing in future outbreaks, and how should surveillance programs adapt?

The experts in our survey were almost unanimous in their agreement that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe infectious disease outbreaks, with 61 percent identifying mosquitoes as the biggest threat.

Recognizing changes, like longer mosquito seasons in northern regions, is the first step to creating a response plan. We then need to apply successful countermeasures from areas where mosquito-borne diseases are common and introduce them to new regions before the diseases spread further. Communities can help prevent these diseases from becoming widespread by taking proactive steps, such as mosquito control and public education. Understanding how viruses are evolving is also crucial in helping physicians understand what to test for when treating patients.