These 24 pathogens could pose greatest threat to public health in UK, check which viruses are included

UK has identified 24 pathogens that could pose the greatest risk to public health.
A new watchlist has been compiled in an effort to guide researchers and investors into developing new tools to fight and diagnose these infectious diseases.

UK public health: Which pathogens pose greatest threat

The 24 pathogen families listed in the reference tool, which is the first-of-its kind introduced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), include microorganisms that cause bird flu, Covid-19, Ebola, and Nipah virus, among other infections.

Furthermore, the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which causes anthrax, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which leads to pneumonia and meningitis, are also on the list.

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UK priority pathogen list: Here's what the UKHSA said

The reference tool «provides information on pathogen families where UKHSA believes further research would be most beneficial to boost preparedness against future biosecurity risks, particularly around diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics», the UKHSA said.

The 24 types of bacteria and viruses in the list, which was released on March 25, are those where a lack of tests and treatment, vaccines pose a biosecurity risk, The Guardian noted. Other factors that call for a greater focus on these pathogen families are their increased potential to cause a public health crisis due to climate change or drug resistance.

Ratings to guide focus for virus families

«For each viral family included in the tool, an indicative rating of high, moderate, or low pandemic and epidemic potential is suggested,» the UKHSA said. The ratings reflect the opinions of UKHSA experts who have