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Quantifying between-Host Transmission in Influenza Virus Infections
Katherine E E Johnson1, Elodie Ghedin2
1Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|December 25, 2019
Summary
Influenza virus genetic diversity is shaped by transmission bottlenecks. Understanding these bottlenecks is crucial for predicting influenza evolution and its pandemic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza virus replication is error-prone, leading to genetic variation.
- Host transmission creates a bottleneck, reducing viral genetic diversity.
- This bottleneck significantly impacts influenza evolution and pandemic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and impact of transmission bottlenecks on influenza virus.
- To discuss methods for quantifying influenza bottlenecks.
- To highlight factors influencing influenza transmissibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on influenza virus evolution and transmission.
- Analysis of methods for estimating transmission bottleneck size.
- Synthesis of research on host and viral factors affecting transmissibility.
Main Results:
- Transmission bottlenecks drastically reduce influenza genetic diversity.
- Bottleneck size influences the evolutionary trajectory of influenza strains.
- Host and viral factors are key determinants of transmission efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Transmission bottlenecks are a critical factor in influenza virus evolution.
- Understanding bottlenecks aids in predicting epidemic and pandemic risks.
- Further research into transmissibility determinants can improve public health strategies.
