Elias Hakalehto, PhD, Adj. Prof.
Microbiologist, Biotechnologist
CEO and inventor, Finnoflag Oy, Kuopio, Finland (1993-)
Founder of the Environmental Section (1983) of the Student Union of Helsinki University
An Alumnus of the UniversityCollege London, U.K. (Biochemical Engineering)
Vice President (Europe and Africa), International Society of Environmental Indicators
Lifetime Fellow Member, International Society of Development and Sustainability (Japan)
(Published on the 1th of October 2024)
Epidemics are infections that spread widely in the population and the community. According to traditional views, one disease-causing agent is active at one time and causes illness on the individual level. However, as microbiology, particularly clinical microbiology, is developing, we have learnt that mixed infections tend to be very influential and typically vary from patient to patient.
Therefore, the ideas of microbiological balance and multiple strains as simultaneous disease agents become increasingly evident. In the current health situation, preparedness and precaution are also most advisable.Â
Ecology is a central field of science and technology. Its principles apply to many disciplines. Nowadays, we speak about "industrial" or "cultural" ecosystems. This applies to fermentation science or biochemical engineering, too. Please see E. Hakalehto's (ed.) forthcoming book, Mixed Cultures in Industrial Bioprocesses, scheduled to be published in January 2025 by Springer, Chaim, Switzerland.
Mixed Cultures in Industrial Bioprocesses This book provides an extended overview on applications of mixed microbial cultures in industrial bioprocesses, highlighting their benefits and challenges. |
Concretely, agriculture and food production generally depend on microbial interactions and "microbial reminiscence" in the metabolic flow of the ecosystems.
What is the implementation of these biological principles to viruses? Although viruses are devoid of their own cellular metabolism, they build up their existence, multiplication, and spread on the metabolism of host organisms. They are thus integral parts of the ecology of microbial communities, the biosphere, industrial processes, the human body system, societies, etc.
In ambivalent times, societies should prepare themselves for fluctuations in conditions. Security supplies for food and feed production, water, medicines and other necessities must be evaluated. But what if the hard times are combined with emerging pandemics? Healthcare systems are already overstrained. This ought to awaken special attention. – We published another book on some aspects of these situations, namely Hakalehto, E. (ed.) Microbiology of Food Quality - Challenges in Food Production and Distribution During and After the Pandemics, de Gruyter, Berlin, 2022.
Autumn waves of the various virus strains will most likely and inevitably land on the shores of our societies. Free travel and many gatherings during the Summer, such as the Olympic games, will boost the distribution of COVID-19. This also increases the risks of emerging new and more dangerous variants. These infections will most likely provoke epidemics of bacterial and other pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Most media outlets have been relatively silent about the current COVID-19 situation compared to some previous summers. For instance, when the omicron variant started spreading in late Autumn and early Fall 2021, the preceding Summer was relatively peaceful concerning the infections. Or they were equally somewhat outside the scope. It also often dissipated the seriousness of the illnesses. However, the outcome of the contagions is to be seen in more detail in public health. But data is accumulating, and more epidemics are there to come.
Of course, the sturdiness of the virus or any other contagious pathogen and its net infectivity, spreadability and other traits are relative to the resistance among populations, average infective portions, weather, travel intensity, etc. If a patient suffering from an acute, fierce type of COVID-19 is asked, they will not downgrade it as an experience, regardless of the everyday news or other publications. Our suffering and damage are always proportional.
In late 2021, news accumulated about the spread of a relatively mild variant that was to be called omicron. It was a mild pathogen to many patients in the Northern Hemisphere but distributed all its subvariants readily. Some heavy stuff was then spotted, such as the delta-cron, a hybrid strain of omicron and delta variants that was said to be hard-hitting. It got the nickname "Frankenstein virus." - This reminds us that no epidemics should be considered nearly harmless or "innocent". The ferocity of secondary infections cannot be fully predicted based on the initial disease.
The Summer of 2024 resembles the warm season of 2021, at least concerning the pandemics. Then, the regulations were loosened in the Autumntime, and optimism was awakened. However, the aftermath of the epidemics peaks and also the less dangerous strains could cause life-threatening conditions and damage many patients.
August 2024 is most likely the latest milestone in the onset of new worldwide pandemic waves. The current dominating version, FLIRT, is finding its way to all countries with travellers, as many are returning from the Paris Olympic games and other global events, which could be real saucers of contagious agents and epidemics.
Only a few new preparations have been instigated. As usual, it is easier to prepare for more visible threats. Now is the time to wake up. Many technologies have been developed, such as UVC hygienisation, passive immunisation, and novel disinfection substances. But will this wave be like a tsunami if we do not pre-invest more in its avoidance?
Finnish Lakeland in between Summer and Autumn. Photo: Elias Hakalehto.
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