BIODIS | Disentangling the linkage between biodiversity and emerging infectious diseases

Zoonotic diseases (diseases that are transmitted between humans and animals) represent 75% of emerging infectious diseases. As a component of biodiversity, the diversity of pathogens is a priori greater in more diverse ecosystems, as is the case in sub-Saharan Africa. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the recent changes in the distribution and propagation of these pathogens. The first stipulates that on-going climatic changes induce a shift of some of these pathogens toward  more temperate areas. The second hypothesis postulates that increased pressure on natural habitats from human activity leads to the introduction and development of these pathogens within human populations. However, a third hypothesis can be proposed, linking the emergence and increasing impact of infectious diseases to biodiversity loss: biodiversity would have a protective effect that could prevent the transmission and spread of pathogenic agents.

 

Current research on this topic is mostly theoretical and the available data are sparse. The mechanisms involved, their generalization, and even the possible relationships between biodiversity and infectious diseases remain poorly known. The aim of the FRB-CESAB group BIODIS was to analyze and homogenize multiple databases to address a central question with strong societal implications: how can we prevent the emergence and spread of infectious diseases originating from animal or environmental sources? This project also fostered closer relations between scientists and (inter)national public health authorities.