B Y : P AT R I C I A G O N Z A L E Z

Geological factors in the emergence of infectious diseases
 Many of the determinants of human morbidity from emerging diseases can be construed directly or indirectly related to environmental changes.
 The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases pose a significant public health problem.
 Local, regional, and global geological factors.

Causative factors leading to the emergence of specific diseases




Local geological factors
 Geothermal processes

Thermal pools for bathing
 Anthropogenic disturbances

Mining
 Water born infections

Microbial survival and hydrogeological parameters

Regional geological factors
 Soil types

Spores in top soil (coccidioidomycosis)

Vector

The black legged tick (vector of Lyme disease).

Excesses or deficiencies of trace elements

Global geological factors
 Disruption of global ecosystems


Deforestation
Wind erosion

Conclusion
 In order to understand the dynamics of some infectious diseases, it is important to understand the factors impacting the ecosystems and how these factors affect human health.

References
Cook, A., Finkelman, R., & Weinstein, P. (2004). Geological factors in the emergence of infectious diseases . Pathology International , 54 (1 ),
130–135.
Deforestation [digital image]. Retrieved from www.worldwildlife.gov
Older Man With Fever and Tender Rash [digital image]. Retrieved from www.consultative.com
Valley Fever [digital image]. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov
Water diseases [digital image]. Retrieved from www.niehs.nih.gov
Wind erosion [digital image]. Retrieved rom .wikipedia.org