The evolution of covert, silent infection as a parasite strategy.

ABSTRACT: Many parasites and pathogens cause silent/covert infections in addition to the more obvious infectious disease-causing pathology. Here, we consider how assumptions concerning superinfection, protection and seasonal host birth and transmission rates affect the evolution of such covert infections as a parasite strategy. Regardless of whether there is vertical infection or effects on sterility, overt infection is always disadvantageous in relatively constant host populations unless it provides protection from superinfection. If covert infections are protective, all individuals will enter the covert stage if there is enough vertical transmission, and revert to overt infections after a 'latent' period (susceptible, exposed, infected epidemiology). Seasonal variation in transmission rates select

SUBMITTER: Sorrell I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2677597 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature