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Who acquires infection from whom and how? Disentangling multi-host and multi-mode transmission dynamics in the
Joanne P Webster1, Anna Borlase2, James W Rudge3,4
1Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK jowebster@rvc.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Multi-host infectious agents challenge our abilities to understand, predict and manage disease dynamics. Within this, many infectious agents are also able to use, simultaneously or sequentially, multiple modes of transmission. Furthermore, the relative importance of different host species and modes can itself be dynamic, with potential for switches and shifts in host range and/or transmission mode in response to changing selective pressures, such as those imposed by disease control interventions. The epidemiology of such multi-host, multi-mode infectious agents thereby can involve a multi-faceted community of definitive and intermediate/secondary hosts or vectors, often together with infectious stages in the environment, all of which may represent potential targets, as well as specific challenges, particularly where disease elimination is proposed. Here, we explore, focusing on examples from both human and animal pathogen systems, why and how we should aim to disentangle and quantify the relative importance of multi-host multi-mode infectious agent transmission dynamics under contrasting conditions, and ultimately, how this can be used to help achieve efficient and effective disease control.This article is part of the themed issue 'Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission'.
Insights
Understanding infectious diseases with multiple hosts and transmission routes is crucial for effective control. This study explores how to quantify these complex dynamics to improve disease management strategies.
Area of Science:
- * Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases
- * Epidemiology and Public Health
Background:
- * Many infectious agents utilize multiple hosts and transmission modes, complicating disease dynamics.
- * The roles of different hosts and transmission routes can shift due to selective pressures, including control interventions.
- * Understanding these complex interactions is vital for predicting and managing disease spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To explore the importance of disentangling and quantifying multi-host, multi-mode transmission dynamics.
- * To examine how these dynamics influence disease control strategies.
- * To provide insights applicable to both human and animal pathogen systems.
Main Methods:
- * Review and synthesis of examples from human and animal pathogen systems.
- * Exploration of theoretical frameworks for analyzing complex transmission.
- * Focus on quantifying the relative importance of different transmission pathways.
Main Results:
- * Multi-host, multi-mode transmission presents significant challenges for disease elimination.
- * Dynamic shifts in host range and transmission modes require adaptive control strategies.
- * Quantifying transmission pathways is essential for targeted interventions.
Conclusions:
- * Effective disease control necessitates a thorough understanding of multi-host, multi-mode transmission.
- * Quantifying the relative importance of different transmission routes is key to efficient management.
- * This approach aids in developing targeted and effective disease control interventions.
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