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Hypothesized behavioral host manipulation by SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 infection
Michael C Barton1, Kaylee V Bennett1, John R Cook1
1Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30024, USA.
Medical Hypotheses
|May 11, 2020
Summary
Pathogens can manipulate host behavior to increase their spread. This study hypothesizes that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, may also alter human behavior to maximize its transmission.
Area of Science:
- Pathogen-host interactions
- Behavioral ecology
- Infectious disease transmission
Background:
- Behavioral host manipulation is a known phenomenon where pathogens evolve to alter host behavior, enhancing pathogen reproduction.
- Examples include rabies virus inducing aggression, Toxoplasma gondii causing cat-attracting fearlessness in rodents, and influenza increasing sociality during incubation.
- Previous research indicates pathogen-driven behavioral changes can facilitate transmission across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to manipulate human behavior.
- To explore if COVID-19 infection could lead to behavioral changes that enhance viral transmission.
- To hypothesize a novel mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 spread through host behavior modification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of documented cases of pathogen-induced behavioral manipulation.
- Analysis of existing research on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 symptoms.
- Formulation of a hypothesis based on comparative pathogen-host interaction studies.
Main Results:
- Established examples of pathogens like rabies, Toxoplasma, and influenza altering host behavior for transmission.
- Identified potential parallels between known manipulated behaviors and observed or potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Highlighted the need for further research into SARS-CoV-2's impact on human behavior.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen-driven behavioral manipulation is a significant factor in disease ecology.
- SARS-CoV-2 may exhibit similar host manipulation strategies to increase human-to-human transmission.
- Further investigation is crucial to confirm and understand potential SARS-CoV-2-induced behavioral changes and their epidemiological implications.
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