Infectious diseases have persistently challenged humanity, striving to stay a step ahead. These diseases are caused by various microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans either directly or indirectly. The widespread impact of infections on the human race is well-documented throughout history. Notable examples include the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, the H1N1 epidemic in 2009, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2015, and the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in April 2018.
Despite the advancements made in the past two centuries to enhance the arsenal against various infectious agents, these diseases still rank among the top 10 causes of death globally. Factors such as antibiotic resistance, shifting human demographics and behavior, international travel and trade, and inadequate public health measures are key contributors to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. Additionally, the use of immunosuppressive medications for transplant recipients and cancer patients significantly increases the risk of developing rare infections.