The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a critical update in the fight against emerging infectious diseases by releasing a comprehensive list of 30 new pathogens that could spark the next global public health emergency. This updated list identifies pathogens that pose significant risks to human health and underscores the need for intensified research and preparation.

Rigorous Evaluation of 30 New Pathogens

The WHO’s recent report highlights the results of a rigorous evaluation process that involved over 200 scientists. Over the past two years, these experts analyzed evidence on 1,652 pathogen species, focusing primarily on viruses and a few bacteria. The aim was to determine which pathogens should be prioritized for further research and potential intervention. This extensive evaluation was detailed in a peer-reviewed article published in the journal Nature.

Ana Maria Henao Restrepo, who leads the WHO’s R&D Blueprint for Epidemics team, emphasized the importance of this prioritization. “It helps identify critical knowledge gaps that need urgent attention and ensures the efficient use of resources,” she stated. The identification of these 30 new pathogens is intended to guide global health organizations in focusing their efforts on developing treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics.

Among the notable pathogens on this updated list are several coronaviruses. Sarbecovirus, which includes SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic—and Merbecovirus, which includes the virus causing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), have been included. Unlike previous lists that specified individual viruses for SARS and MERS, the current list includes entire subgenera. This broader categorization reflects the ongoing threat posed by these viruses and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat them.

30 new pathogens
Image Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention

Additionally, the monkeypox virus, which triggered a global outbreak in 2022 and continues to spread in Central Africa, has been added to the list. Despite the eradication of smallpox in 1980, the variola virus remains a priority due to the cessation of routine vaccinations, which could make a potential outbreak particularly dangerous.

Potential Biological Threats and Emerging Pathogens

Neelika Malavige, an immunologist at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Colombo, Sri Lanka, who contributed to the evaluation, highlighted that some of the 30 new pathogens could be weaponized as biological threats. This underscores the importance of closely monitoring and researching these pathogens to prevent potential misuse.

The updated list also includes several influenza A viruses, such as subtype H5, which has been linked to recent outbreaks in US cattle. Newly identified bacteria responsible for diseases like cholera, plague, dysentery, diarrhea, and pneumonia are also featured. Additionally, two rodent viruses have been added due to their ability to jump to humans and spread between people.

Researchers have noted that climate change and urbanization are increasing the risk of these viruses spreading to human populations. The bat-borne Nipah virus, which remains on the list due to its high fatality rate and lack of available treatments, exemplifies the growing concern about pathogens that could potentially reach a broader audience.

Naomi Forrester-Soto, a virologist at the Pirbright Institute in the UK who participated in the analysis, pointed out that while many of these pathogens are currently confined to specific regions, they have the potential to spread globally. Forrester-Soto, who studies the Togaviridae family including the Chikungunya virus, emphasized that no single location is at the highest risk, highlighting the need for a global perspective in preparing for and responding to these emerging threats.

In conclusion, the WHO’s updated list of 30 new pathogens serves as a critical tool in identifying and prioritizing potential threats to global health. By focusing on these pathogens, researchers and health organizations can better allocate resources, develop new treatments, and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks. The list not only underscores the ongoing risks but also emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against emerging infectious diseases.

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