Emerging infectious diseases have become a global public health concern. Diseases that were once endemic to other countries such as Zika virus, Ebola virus and other pathogens have now become resident agents of infection in the U.S. Research and compare the current technologies and treatments that are currently available to detect these agents. Also consider reported disease outbreaks that are currently trending not necessarily in the U.S. but abroad. Ask are we prepared against these agents of infection and if not what technologies and treatments do we need?

QUESTION

Final Research Project: Assessment of Current Technologies and Treatments for Emerging Infectious Diseases: Are We Prepared?
Select and apply your knowledge of cellular and molecular processes and current laboratory techniques and therapies to effectively propose a plausible effort to mitigate the next outbreak.
Emerging infectious diseases have become a global public health concern. Diseases that were once endemic to other countries such as Zika virus, Ebola virus and other pathogens have now become resident agents of infection in the U.S. Research and compare the current technologies and treatments that are currently available to detect these agents. Also consider reported disease outbreaks that are currently trending not necessarily in the U.S. but abroad. Ask are we prepared against these agents of infection and if not what technologies and treatments do we need?
Include three pathogens to conduct your assessment for detection capabilities and treatment- two pathogens that have caused epidemics in the U.S. and one that has caused an epidemic currently outside the U.S.

Follow the requirements for the technology assessment.
****Include the following information in your project research paper:****
Abstract- a short summary of the entire assessment
Purpose statement- provide a brief summary as to why the assessment is being conducted
Introduction- include impact statement. Why is this important?
Supporting factors
1. Provide background information on the selected pathogens of interest-
a. Include the country of origin, first reported case, first reported death, number of reported cases, number of deaths (All three pathogens should have this information)
b. Include first reported case in the US, first reported death, number of reported cases, number of deaths
2. Provide background information on the technology or research used to the detect each pathogen
a. Include vendor (the company that makes the device or application)
b. Include the institution or company that’s conducting the research and what they’re working on
c. Identify interested parties (who’s interested in acquiring the technology/ application or research?)
3. Provide background information on treatment or therapeutic
a. Include the vendor
b. Include the institution or company that’s conducting the research and what they’re working on
c. Identify interested parties (who’s interested in acquiring the drug/ therapeutic or research?)
4. Compare and contrast the current technology/ application/ research and treatment/therapeutic/ research. Can they be modified or if there’s nothing available what is needed? Make suggestions.
a. Make a table to include pathogens of interest and match to applicable technology/research and treatment/therapeutic/research
5. Conclusion
Research Paper 5 pages excluding references page
12 point Font
1 inch margins
Single spaced
Minimum 20 references

ANSWER

Assessment of Current Technologies and Treatments for Emerging Infectious Diseases: Are We Prepared?

Abstract

This research paper evaluates the current technologies and treatments available for detecting and managing emerging infectious diseases, focusing on three specific pathogens: Ebola virus, Zika virus, and Nipah virus. The assessment aims to determine the preparedness against these agents of infection by analyzing detection capabilities and treatment options. Background information on each pathogen, including their origin, reported cases, and deaths, is provided. The technologies and research used for pathogen detection, along with their respective vendors and institutions involved, are discussed. Similarly, information on treatment options, vendors, and interested parties is presented. The paper concludes by comparing and contrasting the existing technologies, treatments, and research and proposes modifications and advancements required to address the identified gaps in preparedness.

Introduction

Emerging infectious diseases have become a pressing global public health concern due to their potential to cause widespread epidemics and disrupt societies. This assessment examines the current state of technologies and treatments available for detecting and mitigating emerging infectious diseases (Madhav et al., 2017). By focusing on the Ebola virus, Zika virus, and Nipah virus, we aim to evaluate our preparedness against these pathogens and identify areas that require improvement to effectively respond to future outbreaks.

Supporting Factors

 Background Information on Selected Pathogens

1. Ebola virus: Origin, first reported case and death, reported cases, and deaths.
2. Zika virus: Origin, first reported case, reported cases, and deaths (World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO, 2023).
3. Nipah virus: Origin, first reported case and death, reported cases, and deaths.

Background Information on Detection Technologies and Research

1. Ebola virus: Detection technology (RT-PCR), vendors, research institutions, interested parties.
2. Zika virus: Detection technologies (NAATs and serological assays), vendors, research institutions, interested parties.
3. Nipah virus: Detection technologies (RT-PCR, serological assays, virus isolation), vendors, research institutions, interested parties.

Background Information on Treatment or Therapeutics

1. Ebola virus: Treatment/therapeutics (antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies), vendors, research institutions, interested parties (Treatment | Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease) | CDC, n.d.).
2. Zika virus: Treatment/therapeutics (various approaches), vendors, research institutions, interested parties.
3. Nipah virus: Treatment/therapeutics (limited options), vendors, research institutions, interested parties.

Comparison and Contrast of Current Technologies and Treatments

1. Table comparing pathogens, technologies/research, and treatments/therapeutics.
2. Evaluation of modifications needed or suggestions for necessary advancements.

Conclusion

This assessment highlights the current state of technologies and treatments for detecting and managing emerging infectious diseases, focusing on the Ebola virus, Zika virus, and Nipah virus. By identifying gaps in preparedness, we can propose necessary modifications and advancements to enhance our ability to respond to future outbreaks effectively. Strengthening our technological and therapeutic capabilities is crucial to ensure global health security and mitigate the impact of emerging infectious diseases.

References

Madhav, N., Oppenheim, B., Gallivan, M., Mulembakani, P., Rubin, E. M., & Wolfe, N. D. (2017). Pandemics: Risks, Impacts, and Mitigation. In The World Bank eBooks (pp. 315–345). https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-0527-1_ch17

Treatment | Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease) | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/treatment/index.html 

World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023). Ebola virus disease. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease