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The damage-response framework of microbial pathogenesis

Arturo Casadevall1, Liise-anne Pirofski

  • 1Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA. casadeva@aecom.yu.edu

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|March 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Emerging infectious diseases highlight that both microbes and hosts impact pathogenesis. A new

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • The late 20th century saw an increase in infectious diseases caused by opportunistic microorganisms.
  • Existing models of pathogenicity and virulence inadequately explain these emerging diseases.
  • Current concepts overlook the crucial interplay between host and microorganism in disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel theoretical framework for understanding microbial pathogenesis.
  • To address limitations in current concepts of host-microorganism interactions.
  • To provide a new perspective on the factors contributing to disease emergence.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical approach development.
  • Conceptual analysis of host-microorganism dynamics.
  • Literature review on emerging infectious diseases and pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Identified limitations in traditional pathogenicity and virulence concepts.
  • Proposed the 'damage-response' framework as a new theoretical model.
  • Highlighted the dual contribution of microorganism and host to pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The 'damage-response' framework offers a more comprehensive understanding of microbial pathogenesis.
  • This approach is essential for studying host-microorganism interactions and emerging diseases.
  • Rethinking pathogenesis is crucial for addressing future infectious disease challenges.

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