Editorial - Journal of Pathology and Disease Biology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1

Pathological Characterization of Emerging Viral Infections in Humans

Article type:

Home Page URL:  https://www.alliedacademies.org/pathology-and-disease-biology/

Journal short name: J Pathol Dis Biol                                            

Volume: 9

Issue: 1

PDF No: 184

Citation: Harrington M J. Pathological Characterization of Emerging Viral Infections in Humans. J Pathol Dis Biol. 2025; 9(1):184

^*Correspondence to: Michael J. Harrington *, Department of Pathology, Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Global Health University, United States. Email: mjharrington@med.univ.global

Received: 27-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAPDB-25-169602; Editor assigned: 01-Jun-2025, PreQC No. AAPDB-25-169602 (PQ); Reviewed: 15- Jun-2025, QC No. AAPDB-25-169602; Revised: 22- Jun-2025, Manuscript No. AAPDB-25-169602 (R); Published: 29- Jun-2025, DOI:10.35841/AAPDB-9.1.184

Pathological Characterization of Emerging Viral Infections in Humans

Michael J. Harrington *

Department of Pathology, Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Global Health University, United States

Introduction

Emerging viral infections represent one of the most significant threats to global health in the 21st century. These infections are characterized by their sudden appearance in human populations, often originating from zoonotic reservoirs, and their potential for rapid transmission across geographic boundaries. The pathological characterization of such infections is crucial to understanding disease progression, developing diagnostic tools, and formulating therapeutic strategies [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Pathology provides critical insights into how emerging viruses affect human tissues and organs, revealing patterns of cellular damage, immune response, and systemic involvement. Advanced histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular pathology techniques have enabled researchers to identify viral antigens, quantify viral load in tissues, and evaluate host-pathogen interactions at the cellular level. For example, in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, pathology studies revealed extensive alveolar damage, endothelial injury, and microthrombi formation, which have informed treatment approaches such as anticoagulation therapy.

The study of emerging viruses like Ebola, Nipah, and Zika further underscores the importance of pathology in understanding virulence, organotropism, and host immune evasion mechanisms. These findings guide public health responses and help predict potential complications, which is especially important when vaccines or antivirals are unavailable in the early stages of an outbreak.

Conclusion

Pathological characterization serves as a foundational pillar in the battle against emerging viral infections. By identifying tissue-specific injury patterns, viral replication sites, and immune-mediated damage, pathology bridges the gap between basic virology and clinical medicine. These insights not only advance our understanding of disease mechanisms but also shape diagnostic algorithms, therapeutic interventions, and preventive measures. As viral emergence continues to challenge human health, integrating pathological data with epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology will remain essential for effective outbreak preparedness and response.

References

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Emerging infectious diseases: Overview.
2. Fajgenbaum, D. C., & June, C. H. (2020). Cytokine storm. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(23), 2255–2273.
3. Martines, R. B., Ng, D. L., Greer, P. W., Rollin, P. E., & Zaki, S. R. (2015). Tissue and cellular tropism, pathology and pathogenesis of Ebola and Marburg viruses. The Journal of Pathology, 235(2), 153–174.
4. Xu, Z., Shi, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, J., Huang, L., Zhang, C., ... & Wang, F. S. (2020). Pathological findings of COVID-19 associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 8(4), 420–422.
5. World Health Organization. (2024). Managing epidemics: Key facts about major deadly diseases.