Synthesizing selection mosaic theory and host-pathogen theory to explain large-scale pathogen coexistence.

ABSTRACT: Selection mosaic theory explains observations of polymorphism in host-pathogen interactions in terms of spatially variable natural selection but does not account for population dynamics. In contrast, classical host-pathogen theory easily explains observations of population cycles, but does not explain the persistence of pathogen polymorphism. Here, we synthesize these two frameworks to understand the effects of population cycles on pathogen polymorphism. We show that geographic variation in the frequency of two morphotypes of a baculovirus that infects the Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) depends on the frequency of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), an important tussock moth host tree. The morphotype frequency data are best explained by host-pathogen models that combine a

SUBMITTER: Dixon KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12859087 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature