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Host-pathogen dynamics under sterilizing pathogens and fecundity-longevity trade-off in hosts
1Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno 61137, Czech Republic.
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|April 15, 2018
Summary
Sterilizing pathogens used for pest control may unexpectedly increase host populations. This occurs because reduced reproduction can extend host lifespan, potentially leading to higher densities than anticipated.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Epidemiology
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Infectious diseases influence population dynamics, leading to pathogen use for pest control.
- Sterilizing pathogens are preferred over lethal ones to minimize host suffering.
- Previous models overlooked how reduced fecundity might increase host longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and analyze a host-pathogen interaction model incorporating a fecundity-longevity trade-off.
- To investigate the impact of sterilizing pathogens on host population dynamics.
- To assess the effectiveness of sterilizing pathogens as pest control agents.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling of host-pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of infection transmission functions.
- Exploration of fecundity-longevity trade-offs in infected hosts.
Main Results:
- Sterilizing pathogens can increase host densities at endemic equilibria due to indirect effects on mortality.
- Host densities may decrease if the fecundity-longevity trade-off is concave or pathogen impact is severe.
- Sexual selection can exacerbate host population increases in the presence of sterilizing pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Sterilizing pathogens may be less effective for pest control than previously assumed.
- The fecundity-longevity trade-off significantly influences host population dynamics.
- Pathogen-induced changes in host longevity and reproduction require careful consideration for pest management strategies.
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