How the dynamics and structure of sexual contact networks shape pathogen phylogenies.

ABSTRACT: The characteristics of the host contact network over which a pathogen is transmitted affect both epidemic spread and the projected effectiveness of control strategies. Given the importance of understanding these contact networks, it is unfortunate that they are very difficult to measure directly. This challenge has led to an interest in methods to infer information about host contact networks from pathogen phylogenies, because in shaping a pathogen's opportunities for reproduction, contact networks also shape pathogen evolution. Host networks influence pathogen phylogenies both directly, through governing opportunities for evolution, and indirectly by changing the prevalence and incidence. Here, we aim to separate these two effects by comparing pathogen evolution on different host networks

SUBMITTER: Robinson K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3688487 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature