Focal point theory models for dissecting dynamic duality problems of microbial infections

Area of Science:

• Infectomics
• Microbial Ecology
• Game Theory

Background:

• Microbial infections exist on a spectrum from cooperation to conflict, involving both symbiosis (Sym) and pathogenesis (Pat).
• The dynamic Sym-Pat duality (DSPD) is a fundamental problem in infectomics, encoded by microbial and host genomes.
• Host health depends on dynamic interactions with three microbial communities: nonpathogenic microbiota (NP), conditional pathogens (CP), and unconditional pathogens (UP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a theoretical framework for understanding the dynamic Sym-Pat duality (DSPD) in microbial infections.
• To introduce quantitative measures for symbiosis and pathogenesis.
• To develop strategies for controlling microbial infections based on theoretical models.

Main Methods:

• Application of three focal point (FP) theory-based game models: pure cooperative, dilemma, and pure conflict.
• Quantification of symbiosis using symbiotic index (SI) and pathogenesis using pathogenic index (PI).
• Definition of symbiotic point (SP) as a function of SI and PI, analogous to FP.

Main Results:

• The study proposes game models to represent microbial interactions (NP, CP, UP) with hosts.
• Symbiotic index (SI) and pathogenic index (PI) are introduced to quantify symbiotic and pathogenic contributions, respectively.
• Symbiotic point (SP) is defined as a quantitative measure of the symbiotic partnership.

Conclusions:

• DSPD is a fundamental concept in infectomics, influenced by microbial and host genomes.
• Quantitative indices (SI, PI, SP) can measure symbiotic and pathogenic interactions.
• SP-converting and pathogen-targeting strategies offer rational approaches for managing microbial infections.