24 viruses and bacteria added to ‘watch list’ of greatest risk to the UK – Wales Online
In a bid to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, health officials have unveiled a new line-up of viruses and bacteria that present the greatest threats to public health in the UK. The “priority pathogen” guide released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) serves as a roadmap to guide scientists and researchers in their efforts and expedite vaccine development when the need arises. Notably, this list of 24 pathogen families is the first to encompass both global health hazards and those specifically targeting the UK population.
Dr Isabel Oliver, the chief scientific officer for UKHSA, highlighted the growing challenges and risks posed by infectious diseases in our current era, accentuating the critical role of scientific advancements in fortifying health defenses. Emphasising the need for improved diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, Dr Oliver underscored the significance of collaborative efforts between government research funders, industry partners, and academia to address these pressing needs effectively.
The creation of this tool involved a meticulous assessment of the pandemic and epidemic potential associated with each viral family, taking into account factors such as disease severity, transmission pathways, and historical pandemics caused by similar pathogens. Each pathogen group was assigned a risk rating of high, medium, or low based on the evaluations of UKHSA scientists. Furthermore, the tool includes details on climate change sensitivity, vaccine availability, and the likelihood of human-to-human transmission for each pathogen family.
The list of bacterial pathogen families underwent a similar evaluation process based on criteria such as susceptibility to climate change, vaccine accessibility, and concerns surrounding drug resistance, particularly to antibiotics. Noteworthy among the high-risk viral pathogen families identified were coronaviridae (including Covid-19), orthomyxoviridae (encompassing avian influenza), and paramyxoviridae (responsible for Nipah virus outbreaks largely observed in South East Asia). It is essential to clarify that inclusion on this list does not indicate the likeliness of a pathogen causing the next pandemic but rather highlights areas necessitating intensified scientific scrutiny and investment.
Dr Oliver iterated that the UKHSA continuously conducts separate threat assessments, with a focus not only on families with high pandemic or epidemic potential but also on areas where diagnostic tools, vaccines, therapeutics, or responses to antimicrobial resistance might be insufficient. Drawing from lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, the emphasis lies on comprehensively evaluating potential health threats and maintaining flexibility in adapting responses to evolving situations.
Amid concerns over the impact of climate and environmental changes on disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks, Dr Oliver underscored the need for vigilance in monitoring alterations in the distribution of these vectors. The UKHSA remains actively engaged in surveillance activities related to mosquitoes and ticks, collaborating with local government entities, animal health organisations, and other sectors to grasp changes that could impact public health in the UK.
While some diseases on the list, such as Ebola, may not currently be prevalent in the UK, their global ramifications underscore the importance of proactive monitoring and intervention. Dr Oliver acknowledged the significant global repercussions of outbreaks like Ebola and stressed the need to consider such diseases due to their potential for major global epidemics. This proactive stance by UKHSA aligns with the Government’s Biological Security Strategy, aimed at safeguarding the UK and its interests from biological threats. Collaboration with research funders globally and organizations like the World Health Organisation aims to optimise research allocations and collective progress towards addressing public health challenges effectively.
The comprehensive list of priority viruses and bacteria compiled by UKHSA serves as a vital tool in fortifying the UK’s public health defences against potential pandemics. Through strategic assessments, collaborative initiatives, and anticipatory measures, health officials are striving to bolster the nation’s resilience and preparedness for future health crises. By closely monitoring evolving threats and investing in research and development efforts, the UK is taking proactive steps towards safeguarding public health in an increasingly complex global landscape.