What are the implications of pathogen evolution for public health?
The rapid evolution of pathogens poses several challenges for public health. It can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, rendering standard treatments ineffective and complicating disease management. Additionally, new variants of pathogens, such as those seen with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can emerge, potentially increasing transmissibility and severity, and impacting the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutic measures.