Tackling Infectious Diseases with Special Reference to India: Need for Multidimensional Approach

Abstract

Infectious diseases have long been a major cause for concern since they frequently result in pandemics. Undoubtedly, we have some degree of infection control, but the recent COVID-19 outbreak has reduced us to powerless bystanders watching people perish. The majority of infection-related deaths are caused by respiratory viral diseases, including tuberculosis. The oncovirus as a cause of cancer is a severe health issue that demands attention. The emergence of new harmful forms worsens the problem of infectious diseases. The antigenic profile of pathogens is constantly shifting, which reduces the effectiveness of vaccines or encourages the emergence of medication resistance. The necessity for an all-inclusive strategy is apparent after undertaking a thorough analysis of the scientific knowledge now in existence regarding genesis, transmission, pathophysiology, and availability, as well as the efficacy of medications against infections. There are many grey regions that require attention. For instance, we need to comprehend the biology of the diseases that new infections cause as well as the origin of those infections, the processes and factors that make some hosts vulnerable while others are resistant, the comorbid factors in a population that favours certain infections, and the potential oncogenic viruses of common cancers. We only have a few antimicrobial medicines or vaccines, and many of them are losing their efficacy daily due to bacteria' development of clever neutralizing defences. To find novel therapeutic targets, we must launch a comprehensive research effort. As an alternative, we must go the other way by utilizing passive immunity strategies or researching antiviral medicinal plant products, created chemical analogues, probiotics, and their derived bacteriocins that will demonstrate effective effects against pathogenic bacteria. The action's mechanism can then be understood. As a result, it is imperative that everyone work together to complement one another's skills in order to launch a multifaceted strategy to fill in all the knowledge gaps related to infectious diseases.