Validity of diseases’ classification

doi:10.38207/jcmphr20210065

Abstract

Highlights

Abdel Omran published his transition theory, with which we are familiar from its applications in demography and epidemiology, in 1971 [1]
Even though the simultaneous disappearance of the black rat and plague at the end of XVIIth century in Europe remains a mystery [8], the dramatic decrease in the mortality rates by the XXth century can be related to the stunning development of medical technology and antibiotics as well as the progression in the public health interventions and medical care [9]
Demographic transition is connected to epidemiologic transition through this channel: deaths, so far, have been the fundamental determinant of population dynamics in every era [10, 11]

Summary

Introduction

Abdel Omran published his transition theory, with which we are familiar from its applications in demography and epidemiology, in 1971 [1]. Epidemiologic transition indicates the transition from epidemics which are transient but repetitive and unpredictable, rapidly spreading and retreating, into an era in which health conditions are permanent, slowly progressing, and long-lasting [15] This is how those whose lives were prolonged thanks to the microscope, antibiotics and the improvement of hygiene got acquainted with long-term discomforts [16]. We went black about plague pandemics [8], leprosy was reserved for the poor regions of the World and massive leprosy epidemics became history [19] but the infectious diseases keep reminding themselves in various forms such as MDRTbc, SARS, and Ebola [20,21,22] One reason for this continuity might be the overemphasis by WHO on non-communicable diseases which accelerated during the ’80s despite the half a century-long failure of malaria eradication [15].

Impact of evolution

Communicable disease epidemics resulting from a biological agent

Conclusion

New insights on the emergence of cholera in Latin America