Showing 38 results for Karami
M Mohammadi, M Mirzaei, M Karami,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (VOl 13, No.4, Winter 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Ischemic heart disases are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in Iran. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases in Yazd. However, little is known about the share of CHD associated with DM in Yazd.This study aimed to determine the potential impact fraction of ischemic heart disease associated with diabetes mellitus in Yazd-Iran.
Methods: The potential impact fraction (PIF) equation was used to calculate the estimates of CHD associated with DM in Yazd. Prevalence diabetes in Yazd were calculated from Yazd Health Study (YAHS) data, conducted in 2013- 2014 in Yazd Greater Area. The relative risk eof IHD associated with DM was extracted from Tehran Lipid and Glucose study.
Results: According to this study, by hypothetical reduction of DM prevalence in women from the 20.6 percent to null or optimistically to a minimum risk level of 20.3 percent, 23.6% and 0.3% of IHD will be reduced consequently. The corresponding value for men considering the DM prevalence of 15.9 percent at the theoretical zero level and feasible minimum prevalence of 17.7 percent, were 10.6% and -1.2%, respectively.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of DM and CHD in Yazd, more interventions to control DM is needed in Yazd by the health section.
Z Cheraghi, H Mahjub, A Ghalehiha, S Bashirian, H Tayybeenia, A Rahmani, B Naghsh Tabrizi , N Shir Mohammadi , A Farhadi, M Asgarinia, M Karami,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Vol.14, No.4, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prioritizing the list of required research, taking into account the real needs and problems of the health sector, provides a ground for justice; strengthens the link between research, action, and policy; and addresses the needs of vulnerable groups. The present study was done to formulate research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences using the opinions of experts in the field of health as a positive step towards proper allocation of research resources of the University to solve the problem.
Methods: In this study, the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 13 domains during 2017 were ranked using 10 standard criteria according to the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) approach.
Results: Forty inter and intra beneficiaries were participated in this study. During the sessions, using group training techniques (brain storming), the topics were discussed, resulting in identifying 122 topics in 13 domains. In each of these domains, top 10 topics with the highest ranks were determined as the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.
Conclusion: Determination of research priorities at a provincial level based on the ENHR approach was conducted in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences with the cooperation of all health stakeholders for the first time. The result of this study will play an important role in optimum use of resources of the research and technology domain of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences by directing research projects according to the identified priorities.
M Karami Jooshin , H Izanloo, A Saghafipour, F Rezaei, M Asadi Ghalhari ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Vol.14, No.4, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cholera is one of the communicable diseases that should be reported immediately as a public health threat. This study was conducted to study the probable risk factors of cholera outbreak in Qom, central Iran, during 2017.
Methods: In a case-control study, 37 cholera patients diagnosed based on para - clinical tests and 37 control samples were evaluated. Charts, frequency tables, regression logistic, Chi-square and t-test in SPSS software ver.25 were used for data analysis.
Results: The causative agent in the Qom cholera outbreak was Vibrio cholerae serotype Inaba. Most of the patients (54%) were in the age range 21-40 years. Most of the cholera cases were males (87%), Iranians (81%), and school or college students (30%). The peak of the epidemic occurred in the third week of November 2017, coinciding with a religious event. Nearly half of the patients were identified at the cross-border surveillance centers. The most important risk factors for the outbreak were a history of travel to Iraq in order to attend the Arbaeen religious event (95%), (OR=75, P-value<0.001), and a history of consuming unreliable foods and water (94% and 50%, (OR=66, CI=8-410, P-value=0.00 and OR=11, CI=2.7-46)), respectively.
Conclusion: Cross-border surveillance of cholera in common borders with Iraq, especially in the Arbaeen religious event, played a vital role in identifying patients suspected of cholera. The surveillance of communicable diseases should be strengthened when entering and leaving the Arbaeen event.
S Rahmani, M Karami, , M Adabi, A Doosti Irani,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: After the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine, an increase has been observed in the disease due to nonspecific stereotypes of the vaccine. This study was conducted to determine the spatial distribution of pneumococcal vaccine coverage and common stereotypes of streptococcus pneumonia after vaccine introduction in the vaccine recipient countries.
Methods: The Web of Sciences, Medline, and Scopus were searched using a designed search strategy. Studies that reported the prevalence of the stereotypes of streptococcus pneumonia and replacement of the stereotypes were included. In addition, the coverage of pneumococcal vaccination in the countries was extracted from the reports of the World Health Organization. The spatial distribution of vaccine recipient countries and vaccination coverage were determined using the ArcGIS 10.6.1.
Results: Of 6989 retrieved references, 325 studies were included. The highest proportion of vaccine recipient countries were in the African, European and Western Pacific regions. The vaccination coverage increased up to 2017 in the vaccine recipient countries. The common specific vaccine serotypes after the introduction of vaccine were 19A, 5, 3, 14, 19F, 7F, 23F, 6B. In addition, common nonspecific vaccine serotypes were 11A, 15A/B, 8, and 12F.
Conclusion: The results indicated pneumococcal vaccination is not included in the immunization program in many countries. In addition, common serotypes after vaccine introduction of include 19A, 5, 3, 14, 19F, 7F, 23F, 6B. Therefore, it is recommended the health policymakers have a plan for pneumococcal vaccine introduction based on the pattern of the commonly detected stereotypes.
M Karami, Kh Rahmani, Gh Moradi, Mm Gouya, A Sabouri , K Entezar Mahdi , Gh Kamali, Sm Zahraei,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Elimination and eradication of measles requires designing and implementing an enhanced surveillance system. The purpose of this study was to review the measles surveillance system in Iran.
Methods: The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control; a review of the records, documents, books, and published articles; and interviews with process owners and experts of measles surveillance in 2017-2019.
Results: Iran has a surveillance plan to eliminate the measles. The current design for suspected cases of measles in Iran is a case-based surveillance system, in which for each identified case with fever and maculopapular rashes, some activities such reporting, laboratory confirmation, clinical and epidemiological investigation and case registration in individual forms are done.
Conclusion: Complete surveillance of cases suspicious of measles and high coverage of vaccination in children less than 2 years in a cohesive surveillance system and rapid response to the outbreak have led to lack of occurrence of indigenous measles in Iran. Although the current status of the measles surveillance system in Iran seems to be favorable, since Iran is at the stage of measles elimination, it is essential to increase the sensitivity of the reporting system for suspected cases of measles and to maintain the status of vaccine coverage to save elimination status.
Mm Gouya, Sm Zahraei, Gh Moradi, M Karami, S Mahmodi, Sh Shah Mahmoodi , E Ghaderi, F Kaveh, A Norouzinejad , K Hajibagheri, Kh Rahmani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Vol 16, No.2 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: : According to the global strategy for polio eradication, targeted surveillance of the disease is one of the main tasks of the health system. The purpose of this study was to review the status and surveillance of poliomyelitis/acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Iran.
Methods: The present study was a review on the processes, structures and achievements of the poliomyelitis/AFP surveillance system in Iran during 2017-2019. The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control; a review of the records, documents, books and published articles; and interviews with process owners and experts of poliomyelitis/AFP surveillance.
Results: The polio eradication program in Iran is based on the action plan of the World Health Organization that was introduced initially in 1988. Currently, the surveillance system of AFP is active at three levels: country, university, and city. The number of poliomyelitis cases in the country decreased from 50 cases per year in 1985 to zero in 2001, and Iran has been a polio-free country since 2001. The final report on polio eradication in Iran was approved by the regional commission on polio detection in April 2006.
Conclusion: The surveillance system of AFP has had a proper effectiveness throughout the country. Maintaining this situation in the country requires an increase in the sensitivity of the surveillance system of the disease, regular monitoring of vaccine coverage, strict implementation of international health regulations, especially on the eastern borders of the country, and providing technical assistance to neighboring countries.
F Najafi, Gh Moradi, M Mohamadi Bolbanabad , S Rezaei, R Safari Faramani , B Karami Matin , B Piroozi, S Darvishi, T Mohamadi, Sh Amiri Hoseini, B Zarei, A Azadnia,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Vol.16, No.3 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: On 12 November 2017, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale occurred in Kermanshah Province. Explaining the challenges and needs of the victims in such circumstances can be an important source of information for future planning and better management of such conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explain the challenges and needs of the earthquake victims.
Methods: This study was a qualitative study. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers, policymakers, and health and emergency relief providers in earthquake areas, and 10 focused group discussions were held with earthquake victims from December to February 2016. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: The needs and challenges in Kermanshah earthquake were classified into three periods after the earthquake: 1. Challenges and needs in the first few days with three sub-categories including management, rescue services, and urgent care, 2- Challenges and needs in the first few weeks after the earthquake with three sub-categories including housing and emergency assistance, public health services, and access to health care; and 3. Needs and challenges in several months after the earthquake with four sub-categories including economic, social, infrastructural and health service needs.
Conclusion: Lack of unity of command was the main challenge in this earthquake. Another point was the health needs of victim earthquakes over time. Therefore, dispatching of aid forces to the affected areas during natural disasters should be based on planning and needs.
M Karami, A Doosty Irani, Sj Battaei, L Rafati, M Javaheri, M Kheir Andish , M Farhadi, M Hashemi, K Mozafari, A Akhlagh, M Shojaeian, Ar Maleki, R Rostam Abadi , Sh Torkshavand, M Khodabakhshi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Vol.16, No.3 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Water and foodborne diseases are major causes of mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting an gastroenteritis outbreak in Hamadan county in summer of 2019.
Methods: This study was performed based on the outbreak investigation process. After producing hypotheses based on preliminary field studies, a case-control study was conducted on 45 cases and 45 controls to investigate the factors associated with the outbreak. New cases of the disease were included according to the case definition. A logistic regression model was used to investigate potential risk factors.
Results: A total of 171 people were affected in this outbreak from 25 June 2019 to 01 July 2019. The at-risk population in this outbreak was 3410 individuals. The attack rate was 5.1%. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea were the most common symptoms with a prevalence of 77.8%, 73.3% and 68.9%, respectively. The results of the case-control study showed that the consumption of tap and spring/well water increased the odds of disease by 4.63 and 4.13 times compared to boiled water, although these relationships were not statistically significant. The odds of diseases were significantly lower in people aged 30-45 years and 46-85 years compared people aged 15 years old and younger.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the outbreak was related to contaminated water consumption. Therefore, regular monitoring of drinking water status is very important for the local health system.
M Karami, S Khazaei, F Shahbazi, M Mirzaei, A Biglarkhani, A Ataei, Seyed Jalalodin Bathaei, A Zahiri, M Shojaeyan, R Zamani, Ae Karshenas, F Heeders-Moghis, K Hamelmann, R Heidari Moghadam, I Khodadadi-Kahlan, S Bashirian, F Keramat, Sh Hashemi, E Jalili, F Azizi-Jalilian,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (Vol 17,No.3, Atumn 2021 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of patients with Covid-19 in Hamadan Province.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, demographic and epidemiological data of all people who presented to hospitals in Hamadan Province from February 2019 to December 2020 were extracted using two checklists. Data were then analyzed using the Stata software.
Results: In this study, 9674 covid-19 positive patients were examined. According to results, 49.11% of the cases occurred in the elderly over 60 years. The rate of involvement was higher in females than males (51.57% vs. 48.43%). Moreover, 72.05% of the definitive patients lived in the city and 0.76% reported traveling to areas with a high prevalence of the disease two weeks before the onset of symptoms. The highest incidence of this disease per one hundred thousand population was in Malayer, Hamedan and Nahavand counties and the highest fetality was in Razan and Dargazin, Tuyserkan and Asadabad counties, respectively. The data of suspected, probable, and definite outpatients with Covid-19 presenting to medical centers were not evaluated in this study.
Conclusion: Due to the high death rate in the elderly, males, those with underlying diseases, and people living in rural areas, it is necessary to design and apply precautionary measures in these groups. Attention should be paid to these high-risk groups in the shortest possible time to reduce the burden of this disease on individuals as well as the health care system.
S Heidari, M Karami, Sm Zahraei, I Sedighi, F Azimian Zavareh,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (Vol 17,No.3, Atumn 2021 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Given the importance of the early detection of any outbreak or change in the trend of meningitis, this study was conducted to estimate the fixed and dynamic alarm threshold levels of meningitis and its outbreak in Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the data of all patients from 20¬ March 2016 to 20 March 2019 were extracted from the National Meningitis Disease Surveillance System. Alarm threshold levels were calculated separately for different seasons and provinces. To determine the alarm threshold levels, four methods of Upper Control Limit (UCL), relative increase, statistical cut off points, and recommendations provided by the World Health Organization were used.
Results: The alarm threshold levels for confirmed cases were determined for Iran according to the upper limits of cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm and the statistical cut off points based on the 90th percentile, 2 cases per day for Iran. The fixed amount was 3 to 5 cases per week in populations under 30,000 and 5 to 7 per week in populations between 30,000 and 100,000. According to the relative increase method, a 30% increase in one week compared to previous weeks was considered as the threshold level.
Conclusion: The use of alarm threshold levels reported in this study can be a basis for detecting meningitis outbreaks.
T Arian-Mehr, M Karami,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Vol.17, No.4, Winter 2022 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Timely dection of influenza outbreaks is very important for a better reponse to outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the moving epidemic method for determinating influenza outbreak threshold levels in Iran.
Methods: The moving epidemic method was applied to the WHO Flunet website data from January 2010 to December 2017 with the aim of determining outbreak alert thresholds. Therefore, the performance of the moving epidemic method in identifying the onset of the outbreak over eight periods was reported using sensitivity and specificity indices.
Results: A total of 69169 influenza-like illnesses were recorded in the Fluent website during the study period. The smallest number of influenza-like illnesses for the epidemic was 187 cases in the third period (2011-2012) and the maximum number was 1086 cases in the seventh period (2016-2015). The earliest epidemic occurred during the third and eighth periods of the 48th week, approximately in mid-February. The minimum duration of the epidemic was 8 weeks and the maximum was 13 weeks. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the moving epidemic method were 55% and 96%, respectively.
Conclusion: The moving epidemic method could be used as a complementary method to detection of influenza outbreks. It is recommended to apply the moving epidemic method on influenza and similar communicable diseses.
Hamid Soori, Nahid Khodakarami, Alireza Zali, Alireza Noori, Samaneh Akbarpour, Fatemeh Sadat Asgarian,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (Vol.18, No.3, Autumn 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of severe problems in the world. This study investigated the epidemiology of the disease in Tehran in the first quarter of the epidemic's beginning.
Methods: The available information recorded for patients from 20 February 2020 to 20 May 2020 in Tehran was used. To prepare disease-related distribution maps, the addresses of patients' residences in Google Earth were called to ARC-GIS version 10-4. The methods used in GIS include IDW, Hotspot and also software development.
Results: Overall, 3699 individuals whose PCR results were positive in Tehran were included in the study. Out of the total number of them, 550 people died and the fatality rate of the disease in hospitalized patients was 14.9%. One thousand five hundred thirty patients (41.4%) have recovered, and the remaining 1619 patients were under treatment until data collection. Of the total, 1479 confirmed cases were women (40%). The average age was 57.4 years (SD=16.5). The density of cases in areas 4, 8 and 13, and the existence of some cluster diseases in neighborhoods such as Tehran Pars, Ayat and Pirouzi streets are noteworthy points.
Conclusion: The trend of the COVID-19 epidemic is dire and requires long-term measures. Nevertheless, to control this disease, the health system, the policy of isolating patients and suspicious people, wear masks especially in densely populated areas, are the most important controlling factors.
Fatemeh Shahbazi, Salman Khazaei, Mohammad Mirzaei, Seyed Jalalodin Bathaei, Ali Zahiri, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the mortality rate and years of life lost (YLL) resulting from COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information regarding the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 infection was obtained from the Vice-Chancellor of Health at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The research period spanned from February 2020 to February 2021. The deaths recorded by the deputy health department encompassed both outpatients and inpatients. The calculation of Years of Life Lost (YLL) was based on the guidelines outlined in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010. All data analysis was performed using Excel software.
Results: During the study period, a total of 1556 deaths occurred due to COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province. The years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death were 15783 years (49.99 per thousand) in men, 12794 years (38.43 per thousand) in women, and 28577 years (44.08 per thousand) in both sexes. Specifically, urban areas accounted for 19824 YLL, while rural areas accounted for 8753 YLL.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, COVID-19 infection resulted in a significant loss of potential years of life, particularly among men, those over 60 years of age, and in urban areas. As a result, intervention programs should prioritize the importance of early detection of the disease, reducing its severity, and subsequently mitigating the number of fatalities. Additionally, better control of the disease in elderly populations, who represent the highest proportion of years of life lost, should be a focal point.
Elham Rahimi, Ebrahim Ghaderi, Ehsan Mostafavi, Mohammad Hossein Panahi, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The publication of outbreak investigation reports is critical for disseminating lessons learned from outbreaks. While there are existing reporting guidelines for outbreak investigations, there is a gap in specific guidelines for reporting food-borne and water-borne outbreaks. This study aims to introduce a specific framework and reporting guideline for food and waterborne outbreak investigations in Iran.
Methods: The initial draft of the framework for reporting food and waterborne outbreaks was derived from existing general reporting guidelines for outbreak investigations. Additionally, a systematic review of studies reporting outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases from 2010 to 2022 was conducted without language restrictions to extract relevant information. Expert opinions were then sought to finalize and adapt the reporting guideline.
Results: The reporting guideline framework for outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases consists of eight parts: title, abstract (background, methods, results, conclusion), introduction, methods (study characteristics, study type, variables under investigation), results (participant information, statistical results, laboratory results, environmental investigation results), discussion, conclusion, and conflict of interest.
Conclusion: This specific reporting guideline for food and waterborne outbreak investigations can be utilized by outbreak investigation teams, rapid response teams, and researchers to effectively report the results of outbreak investigations in this domain.
Ali Khorshidi, Mehdi Moradi Nazar, Mansour Masoumi, Mohammad Reza Karami Ghezeli, Zahra Mohammadi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The World Health Organization estimates that over a million people contract sexually transmitted diseases daily. Given the significant impact of these diseases on public health in developing countries, this study aims to investigate the epidemiology and burden of sexually transmitted diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean countries.
Methods: This study utilized global disease burden data from The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to examine sexually transmitted disease indicators in the Eastern Mediterranean region, encompassing 22 countries from 1990 to 2019. Analyses related to the lost years index, considering premature death and disability (DALY), incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, and standardized age rates, were conducted. All estimates are reported with 95% uncertainly interval due to various sources of error, including measurement bias and modeling. Microsoft Office Excel 2016 was employed for all analyses.
Results: The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region decreased from 9053 and 13424 in 1990 to 8658 and 13143 in 2019, respectively, and the age-standardized death rate increased from 2 to 4 per 100,000 people.
Conclusion: Considering the economic burden caused by these diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it is necessary for the health policy makers to develop intervention strategies for prevention and health planning.
Fatemeh Ershadinia, Elham Rahimi, Bushra Zareie, Hadi Pashapoor, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The disease surveillance system provides essential information about the population at risk and the disease pattern. This review aimed to describe the experiences of countries in establishing COVID-19 school-based surveillance systems.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review. Four databases were searched between January 2019 and December 2022 using relevant keywords. The studies were screened by two people according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings were extracted using a standard form and aligned to the objectives of the review.
Results: The data from 12 studies were extracted using the standard form. All studies related to the school-based surveillance system of COVID-19. Most of studies were conducted in the United States of America and England. The reports did not conform to the standard. The number of schools covered in surveillance systems ranged from 2 to more than 6000 schools. The age group in these studies was 0 to 19 years. Schools submitted data daily or weekly.
Conclusion: The results of the COVID-19 surveillance systems in schools should be reported according to standard Instructions. This is considered a necessity to monitor and evaluate the surveillance system. It also allows other countries and researchers to share and use the results. In addition, sensitivity, timeliness, and positive predictive value were not reported in implemented surveillance systems.
Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (Vol.20, No.3, Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the process in which computers, rather than human intelligence, perform tasks, such as early warning of an epidemic. This editorial aimed to describe the potential applications of digital health and the challenges faced by the health system of Iran concerning the application of artificial intelligence and innovative technology in public health surveillance and early warning of epidemics. The use of new technologies at national and subnational levels for early warning of public health threats requires a suitable platform within the context of disease surveillance systems. The Iran health system currently utilizes a syndromic approach and event-based surveillance to monitor acute respiratory infections. However, the structure of Iran's national communicable disease surveillance system has faced challenges due to the inability to share and exchange data at the level of primary health care data sources. Accordingly, application and integration of AI should be considered as Iran’s health priority to promote infrastructure and technology requirements, including compatibility, interoperability, and strategies for ethical and responsible use by public health authorities. Since pandemics and epidemics have not been limited to the previous ones, such as COVID-19, influenza, SARS, dengue fever, and similar threats, operations planning is required for the integration of artificial intelligence tools to prepare and respond to biological threats promptly by the Iranian Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and other parties.
Ebrahim Ghaderi, Ghobad Moradi, Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri, Manoochehr Karami, Ehsan Mostafavi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (Vol.21, No.3, Autumn 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the past century, multiple pandemics have caused the deaths of millions and inflicted serious harm upon the global economy, and humanity is still concerned about the emergence of future pandemics. This paper aims to provide an overview of the upcoming challenges in public health by reviewing previous pandemics and threats, examining past experiences, and analyzing current conditions.
Methods: In this non-systematic review, the Google Scholar search engine was searched using suitable keywords, and studies relevant to the subject were selected.
Results: With increasing population and closer human interactions, the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases is felt more than in the past. The existence of thousands of pathogens in wildlife, along with the impacts of climate change, globalization, lifestyle, hunting, and environmental destruction, raises the probability of human exposure to these agents. If these encounters lead to genetic changes in pathogens and create new species, the risk of emerging and transmissible diseases to humans will increase. In addition to natural factors, human-related factors including bioterrorism and drug resistance (while not considered direct human actions, they result from human misconduct) must also be considered.
Conclusion: Among various pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are highlighted as the principal agents of future pandemics due to their ability for rapid mutation, persistence in wildlife reservoirs, and the lack of effective preventive and therapeutic tools. What is crucial for countries is to utilize the lessons learned from previous pandemics to increase preparedness through strengthening health systems, employing the one health strategy, and mobilizing all capacities for future pandemics.
