RNA viruses are among the most serious microbiological threats to public health, causing diseases like HIV, SARS, COVID-19, Ebola, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile Virus.
RNA viruses have RNA as genetic material and are prone to mutations, allowing them to adapt, infect humans, and cross species barriers.
Approximately 200 RNA virus species infect humans, with more emerging annually; many existing RNA viruses have the potential to mutate and infect humans.
High mutation rates in RNA viruses facilitate spillover to humans and increase the likelihood of cross-species transmission, especially from closely related species (e.g., nonhuman primates to humans).
Antibiotic resistance is a major health threat due to the overuse of antibiotics in animals and humans, causing an estimated 5 million deaths annually, projected to rise to 10 million by 2050.
The industrialization of agriculture, including large feedlots with densely packed animals, has contributed to the spread of RNA viruses and antibiotic resistance.