During their evolution, human beings, as every other animal and vegetable species, have had to face innumerable challenges from the world of microorganisms. Indeed, the history of humankind is littered with `scourges`, that is, epidemics and pandemics characterised by high rates of morbidity and mortality. There have been numerous examples of major epidemics in the past centuries.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), infectious diseases are still the second cause of death in the world (and the first in developing countries), being responsible for about 15 million deaths each year.

Keywords: human beings, pandemic, infectious diseases