Infectious diseases and prions

Infectious diseases continue to contribute considerably to the global burden of morbidity, disability, and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Lower respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and tuberculosis remain among the top ten causes of mortality for all ages and sexes. Moreover, the emergence of many new viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens as well as rising antimicrobial resistance are current challenges. Despite a decline in infectious disease mortality, the growing dangers of antimicrobial resistance and emerging infections pose a critical threat to the health of millions. It is imperative, now more than ever, to scale up interventions for prevention and control of infectious diseases while promoting judicious use of antimicrobials.