Cross-species virus transmission and its pandemic potential

BACKGROUND: The majority of pandemics are known to be a result of either bacteria or viruses out of which viruses seem to be an entity of growing concern due to the sheer number of yet unidentified and potentially threatening viruses, their ability to quickly evolve and transform, their ability to transfer and change from one host organism to another and the difficulty in creating safe vaccines on time. MAIN BODY: The present review attempts to bring forth the potential risks, prevention and its impact on the global society in terms of sociological and economic parameters. Taking hindsight from previously as well as ongoing current viral epidemics, this article aims to draw a concrete correlation between these viruses in terms of their origin, spread and attempts to compare how much they can affect the population. The study also assesses the worst-case scenarios and the amount of preparedness, required to fight against such pandemics and compares the required amount of preparedness to the current precautions and measures by different governments all across the world. SHORT CONCLUSION: Learning from the current pandemic, we can implement certain measures to prevent the adverse effects of pandemics in the future and through severe preparedness can combat the challenges brought about by the pandemic.