Contrary to popular belief, humans pose a greater risk of transmitting viruses to animals than animals do to humans, a new study from University College London reveals. Analyzing viral genomes, researchers discovered that humans pass on nearly twice as many viruses to other animals as they receive from them.
The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, highlights the prevalence of anthropogenic viral transmission, where viruses jump from humans to other animal species. Factors such as the vast human population and our extensive global reach contribute to this phenomenon, making humans a significant source of viral spread.
Co-author Professor Francois Balloux of the UCL Genetics Institute emphasizes the importance of viewing humans as part of a broader network of hosts exchanging pathogens, rather than solely as recipients of zoonotic infections. Understanding the transmission of viruses between humans and animals in both directions is crucial for predicting and preventing future outbreaks.
Lead author Cedric Tan, a PhD student at UCL Genetics Institute and Francis Crick Institute, underscores the potential consequences of human-to-animal viral transmission, including threats to wildlife conservation and food security. Monitoring mutations in viruses can help identify those with high zoonotic potential, aiding in the prevention and management of infectious diseases.
The study emphasizes the need for greater attention to human-to-animal viral transmission dynamics to protect both human and animal health. By studying these interactions, scientists can better understand the emergence of new viral diseases and implement measures to mitigate their impact.
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