Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a major concern for global health security and the world economy. The world is already witnessing one of the deadliest pandemics of history as COVID-19. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Globally, more than 221 million confirmed cases and more than 4 million deaths have been reported due to COVID-19. Globally, the top 10 causes of death accounted for 55% of the 55.4 million deaths in 2019. And, 3 out of the 10 leading causes of death were infectious diseases. Besides, statistics of leading causes of death by income groups reveals that people living in a low-income country are more susceptible to die of an infectious disease than a noninfectious disease. 6 infectious diseases in low-income countries, 4 in lower-middle-income countries, one in upper-middle-income countries and high-income countries out of 10 have been reported as the leading causes of death.
Rank | Worldwide | Low Income Countries | High Income Countries |
1 | Heart disease | Lower respiratory infections | Heart disease |
2 | Stroke | Diarrheal diseases | Stroke |
3 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Heart disease | Alzheimer's disease |
4 | Lower respiratory Infections | HIV/AIDS | Lung cancers |
5 | Alzheimer's disease | Stroke | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
6 | Lung cancers | Malaria | Lower respiratory infections |
7 | Diabetes | Tuberculosis | Colon cancers |
8 | Road injury | Preterm birth complications | Diabetes |
9 | Diarrheal diseases | Birth asphyxia and trauma | Kidney diseases |
10 | Tuberculosis | Road injury | Breast cancer |
Top 10 global causes of deaths in different income group (Infectious diseases are in bold) |
Immunity refers to the defense mechanism of the body against pathogens. Pathogens are foreign disease-causing substances like bacteria and viruses. People can easily expose to such pathogens in their routine life which may lead them to disease. However, the body stimulates an immune response against such pathogens by recognizing them.
An immune response can be termed as the body’s defense system to fight against antigens and protect the body. However, people with low or poor immunity may lead to severe diseases and become the carrier of such pathogens. Carriers help pathogens to spread easily and can infect many people. Hence, improved immunity can protect an individual against such pathogens.