Infectious disease correlation with Non-Communicable Diseases
The recent research has highlighted a merging of epidemics involving both infectious and non-communicable diseases, deviating from the traditional epidemiological transition where societies typically transition from primarily infectious diseases to predominantly non-communicable diseases over time.
On a global scale, the collective proportion of measurable Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden attributed to infectious causes (~8.4%) surpassed the proportions linked to certain prevalent risk factors like-
high LDL cholesterol (6.1%),
air pollution (6.7%), and
alcohol use (4.5%).
Determinants of NCD outcome following infection
Host
Host factors like-
Age, gender, genetics, immune response, and nutritional status collectively influence infection susceptibility and disease outcomes.
Genetic variations in genes related to immune regulation, such as IL-10, TGF β, TNF, and other cytokines, contribute to NCDs linked to infections, including asthma and allergies.
Infectious agents
Certain infection strains induce NCDs through:
Release of cytotoxic products.
Triggering an exaggerated and dysregulated immune response.
Resulting in tissue damage.
Environment
Infections extend the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) beyond environmental factors, acting as triggers, co-factors, or primary contributors to NCD etiology.
The collaboration of infections with environmental factors is evident in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Heightened hygiene reduces early childhood infections, favoring an unbalanced stimulation of the TH2 cytokine arm over the TH1 cytokine arm.
This imbalance increases susceptibility to asthma and allergies in hygienic children.
NCD mechanism involves
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Item description
Infectious conditions contribute significantly to NCD burden, varying regionally.
To effectively reduce NCD burden, especially in low-income and middle-income countries:
o Strengthen availability, coverage, and quality of cost-effective interventions for key infectious conditions.
o Universal health coverage efforts should address infectious risks leading to NCDs.
o Prioritize populations with high rates of infectious conditions to minimize regional disparities in NCD burden.