Targeting Zoonotic Spillover Drivers for Global Pandemic Prevention: A Narrative Review
Zoonoses account for the majority of recognized mammalian viral spillover events, primarily originating from bats, rodents, and primates. Human activities have significantly accelerated these transmissions. This narrative review synthesizes the evolutionary, ecological, pathogen-related, and anthropogenic drivers of viral zoonotic spillover to identify critical leverage points for pandemic prevention. A narrative literature review was conducted. The analysis focused on factors enabling animal pathogens to transform into human pathogens, examining host species, pathogen traits, human–animal interactions, and environmental impacts. Pathogen transformation depends on host traits, contact frequency, and viral characteristics. Anthropogenic drivers—including livestock expansion, the bushmeat trade, wet markets, and the exotic pet industry—significantly elevate spillover risks. Effective pandemic prevention requires targeted interventions at the wildlife–livestock–human interfaces. A holistic, multidisciplinary collaboration between national governments and international organizations is essential to mitigate future risks.
Authors
- Maria Mironidou‐Tzouveleki
- Rozeta Sokou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9972-8901)
- Vasileios Petrakis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9065-4811)
- Alexandra Mpakosi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9833-8477)
- Andreas G. Tsantes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3695-0759)
- Alexandra Lianou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8588-8672)
- Konstantina A. Tsante (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2970-535X)
- Πέτρος Ιωάννου (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1082-5674)
- Ioannis Tzouvelekis
- Stamatios Cholevas
- Deny Tsakri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1978-5864)
- Stefanos Bonovas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6102-6579)
- Foteini Tziraki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6168-3217)
- Ioannis Vogiatzis
- Vasileios Cholevas
Institutions
- Humanitas University (IT)
- University of Crete (GR)
- Democritus University of Thrace (GR)
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR)
- European University Cyprus (CY)
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR)
- St Savas Hospital (GR)
- University General Hospital Attikon (GR)
- General Hospital of Nikea (GR)
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital (IT)
- Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (GR)
- University of Bologna (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microorganisms
- Published
- 2026-06-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061316
- Primary Topic
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00