The Evolution of Infectious Disease

The evolution of infectious disease involves changes in pathogens like bacteria and viruses over time, enabling them to adapt to their environment and hosts. These changes can make them more contagious, resistant to treatments, or better at evading immune responses. Such evolution occurs through genetic mutations and natural selection, often driven by factors like antibiotic use or vaccination. As pathogens evolve, they can cause new outbreaks or increase the severity of existing diseases, highlighting the importance of ongoing research, vaccine development, and public health strategies to control their spread.