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Research and Reviews : A Journal of Immunology Review Article

Disease X: Unveiling the Unknown Pathogen and Enhancing Global Preparedness

  1. Archana Reddy Department of Community Health Nursing, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Nursing, Tirupati

Abstract

“The concept of “Disease X” was introduced to drive the creation and refinement of versatile technologies such as vaccines, therapeutic drugs, and diagnostic tests, which could be swiftly adapted and utilized in response to future infectious disease outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential. The aim was to establish a proactive approach to emerging health threats by developing platform technologies capable of addressing a broad spectrum of potential pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked significant discussion on whether it could be classified as an example of Disease X. Particularly, Shi Zhengli, a prominent Chinese virologist, proposed that the initial Disease X might emerge from a coronavirus. This hypothesis is grounded in the observation that a vast array of viruses circulating within wildlife populations poses a substantial risk. These wildlife reservoirs are considered prime sources of future infectious diseases due to their ability to spill over into other species, including humans. Such zoonotic transmissions could lead to the emergence of novel infections against which human populations lack preexisting immunity, thereby posing serious global health threats.

Keywords

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