How diseases affect symbiotic communities
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Published on: July 8, 2025
1Dipartimento di Matematica, Universita' di Torino, Via Carlo Alberto 10, 10123 Torino, Italy. ezio.venturino@unito.it
Abstract:
Examples of species living in symbiotic communities are well known among biologists. In this study we extend our previous analysis of predator-prey or competing models subject to a disease spreading among one of the species to populations mutually benefiting from interactions. We assume that one of the species is subject to a disease which cannot cross the species barrier and investigate the behavior of such a community. Our findings indicate that there are parameter ranges for which an interesting phenomenon occurs. Namely, the equilibrium shifts to a higher value. That is, the disease seems to have a positive effect on the environment as also field experiments show.
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