Disease spread, susceptibility and infection intensity: vicious circles?
Pablo M Beldomenico1, Michael Begon
1Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, RP Kreder 2805, 3080 Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina. pbeldome@fcv.unl.edu.ar
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Host condition significantly impacts infection severity and spread in disease ecology. Ignoring host immunocompetence creates incomplete epidemiological models, overlooking a critical factor in host-parasite dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Disease ecology
- Epidemiology
- Host-parasite interactions
Background:
- Traditional epidemiological models often overlook host condition and immunocompetence.
- Host susceptibility is increasingly recognized as crucial for understanding infection dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of host condition and immunocompetence in disease ecology.
- To emphasize the synergistic relationship between host susceptibility and infection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research in insects, fish, amphibians, and rodents.
- Analysis of how host condition influences infection occurrence and severity.
Main Results:
- Infection is more likely and severe in individuals with poor host condition.
- Infection can lead to further host deterioration, creating a detrimental cycle.
Conclusions:
- Host condition and immunocompetence are critical, often overlooked, factors in disease ecology.
- Acknowledging the synergy between host susceptibility and infection is vital for accurate epidemiological modeling.
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