Superinfection and the evolution of an initial asymptomatic stage.

ABSTRACT: Pathogens have evolved a variety of life-history strategies. An important strategy consists of successful transmission by an infected host before the appearance of symptoms, that is, while the host is still partially or fully asymptomatic. During this initial stage of infection, it is possible for another pathogen to superinfect an already infected host and replace the previously infecting pathogen. Here, we study the effect of superinfection during the first stage of an infection on the evolutionary dynamics of the degree to which the host is asymptomatic (host latency) in that same stage. We find that superinfection can lead to major differences in evolutionary behaviour. Most strikingly, the duration of immunity following infection can significantly influence pathogen evolutionary dynam

SUBMITTER: Saad-Roy CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7890506 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature