Latin America has extensive microbial diversity and is endemic for a wide array of infectious agents including dengue, chikungunya, malaria and tuberculosis. In 2014, the WHO cited 93 public health events of potential international concern in the Latin American region where over half (47 events) were caused specifically by chikungunya and other zoonotic pathogens, causing geographically widespread impact affecting 27 countries and territories. Arena, alpha and flaviviruses are RNA viruses, many of which are endemic in South America, are diverse in nature, and can adapt easily to new hosts, creating zoonotic threats. Since more than 70% of emerging diseases are caused by zoonotic agents, it is of great importance to enhance the capacity for detection and diagnosis in the areas where they are most likely to emerge. COVID-19 provided an opportunity to reinforce public health capacities, improve reporting transparency, and enhance regional coordination. Limited but consistent research has been carried out in the region to address the viral threats that account for a significant portion of health concerns. This book describes relevant examples of these achievements and discusses ongoing limitations in the region.
Dr. Flor H. Pujol has made outstanding contributions in the molecular epidemiology and evolution of several viruses of great relevance in Public Health, in Venezuela and in the Latin American context. Initially studying hepatitis viruses and HIV, her group got involved in the molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, and then other emerging viruses, such as MPOX and Influenza H5N1. She is member of two Latin American academies: ACFIMAN, the Venezuelan Academy of Physical, Mathematic, and Natural Sciences, and the ACAL, the Latin American Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Paniz-Mondolfi, a specialist in microbiology and tropical infectious diseases, currently serves as the Director of Molecular Microbiology at Mount Sinai Hospital and holds the position of Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With roles spanning leadership in infectious disease divisions and pathology laboratories, his career is distinguished by significant contributions. His trajectory in the scientific domain has been marked by substantive contributions, significantly impacting the landscape of endemic and emerging infectious diseases.
