User:IyianaOgo/Evolution of Infectious Disease

Evolution and Disease
Infectious disease has a very complex and interesting way of adapting and mutating; along with its ability to thrive. One main factor that is argued to play an important role into this process is Natural Selection. This occurs when random evolutionary changes occur naturally, randomly, and consistently. Long ago, when our hunter-gatherer ancestors lived, this concept was very relevant and made sense. Many studies supported the idea and processes of natural selection and how it affected evolution. Over time, it has come to a great belief that modern medicine, along with other underlying factors, contributes to the production and mutations of diseases rather than curing it. This makes the natural selection theory very questionable in today's society. Diseases are no longer being produced or evolving naturally. It is transforming with the incorporation of man-made interactions.

Evolution and the Origins of Disease
Darwinian Medicine questions body's vulnerability to diseases and infections. Evolutionary explanations: (1) "Symptoms" of Discomfort (Fever, pain, coughing vomiting, etc.), (2) Organism Interaction Conflicts, (3) Dietary Fats Availability, (4) Trait Benefits vs. Costs. ?NATURAL SELECTION?

(1) A body's natural defense mechanisms include pain, coughing, fever, nausea, fatigue, inflammation, etc. These symptoms are looked at as "defects" rather than part of the solution. Without these indicators, one may experience worsening or more severe circumstances. In many cases, the body's defense mechanisms are misinterpreted. Symptoms are looked at as the result of contracting a disease rather than it being the body's way to fight off the disease. Higher body temperature increases body's ability to terminate alienated pathogens. Low iron levels are and often indication of illnesses. This process occurs to protect the liver from bacteria. However, these low levels are often considered to be "caused" by the illness. Nausea (Morning Sickness) is a common pregnancy "symptom". It is actually the body's way of protecting a fetus from toxins. Anxiety a natural defense mechanism to increase the unlikeliness of being involved in dangerous situations. All of these safeguarding indicators are scientifically proven to be the most natural, and efficient way of fighting off diseases. Studies determine that cases related to the misinterpreted mechanisms we talked about earlier, modern medicinal use had no significant effect in rehabilitation. In some cases, it was the cause of unfortunate worsening or more difficult circumstances. This concept corresponds to the body's natural ability to determine when something is wrong. In conclusion, there is no significant loss in adhering to the false alarms that your body may signal. However, by ignoring these signs, you may pay a price for what it's worth.

(2) Without the successful transformation to a new mutation, pathogens die off. A runny nose discharges foreign matter. However, it may increase the likeliness of transmission to a new host. The probability of transference is dependent on how a certain pathogen spreads. Some require direct contact, while others can be passed on through vectors or other outside factors. Natural selection shows dominance over antibiotics and vaccines being that pathogens can adapt to any chemical. Some bacteria present antibiotic resistance causing them to be more contagious having a higher reproduction and transmission rate. Lower-virulent diseases have a higher survival advantage than more life-threatening diseases. Low-virulent diseases remain active in a host while working at a slower pace, allowing a better opportunity to spread. High-virulent diseases work at a much faster pace, eventually killing and dying with it's host; resulting in a lesser opportunity to spread.

(3) Developing a healthy lifestyle is crucial to your body's ability to thrive and fight off disease. However, today's society makes it very difficult for people to do so. Things that are not good for us is more accessible and affordable, while things that will keep us healthy comes at a larger cost. Many modern health concerns today are related to drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Some drugs (nicotine, cocaine, and opium) were originally used to repel insects. It has then evolved and became an addiction for some people. Female reproduction has changed drastically. Teen menstruation has progressed to start at a younger age and more frequently. Women have children closer in age.

(4) Some disease-causing genes may have some types of benefits depending on outside environmental factors. For example, high uric acid found in gout can provide anti-aging benefits. On the other hand, our anatomical composition contains some structural "defects". Our eyes are considered to be constructed "backwards" compared to the squid eye with the nerve s located on the inside instead of the outside. Swallowing can be dangerous due to the intersection of our consumption passage and airway. Whereas the food passage and airway in lungfish were found to be separated, but just sharing the same space. Cut off of blood supply to the appendix can be very crucial, and even deadly in some cases. Sufficient blood flow supports the prevention of bacterial growth. Any form of blood flow obstruction increases the chance of infection. ?NATURAL SELECTION?

Natural selection is concluded to focus more on human's health system rather than the actual disease itself. Darwinian Medicine analyzes specific health trait changes that make us more susceptible to disease.