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Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
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Prophylactic host behaviour discourages pathogen exploitation.

Evan Mitchell1, Geoff Wild1

  • 1Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|July 13, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Host behavior, like prophylaxis, can significantly alter pathogen evolution. Our model shows that when hosts adopt protective measures, pathogen exploitation of hosts is reduced due to natural selection.

Keywords:
Disease dynamicsEvolutionGame theoryMathematical model

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Epidemiology
  • Behavioral ecology

Background:

  • Pathogen evolution is extensively studied, but responses to host behavioral changes are less understood.
  • Sublethal disease effects and host decision-making regarding prophylaxis are key factors in disease dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model how host prophylactic behavior influences pathogen evolution.
  • To investigate the role of host utility costs/benefits and population dynamics in mediating prophylaxis.
  • To analyze the impact of prophylaxis on pathogen exploitation levels.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a mathematical model incorporating sublethal disease effects.
  • Modeling host choice for prophylactic measures based on utility.
  • Integration of population dynamics affecting the fraction of hosts engaging in prophylaxis.

Main Results:

  • Prophylactic host behavior reduces pathogen exploitation levels compared to scenarios without prophylaxis.
  • Natural selection acts to lower pathogen exploitation when hosts are prophylactic.
  • The transmission-recovery trade-off for the pathogen is a significant factor.

Conclusions:

  • Host behavior, particularly prophylaxis, is a crucial factor in shaping pathogen evolution.
  • Pathogen evolution is influenced by its ability to affect host prophylactic choices.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions requires considering both biological and behavioral elements.