Work

Epidemic Enhancement in Partially Immune Populations

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: We observe that a pathogen introduced into a population containing individuals with acquired immunity can result in an epidemic longer in duration and/or larger in size than if the pathogen were introduced into a naive population. We call this phenomenon "epidemic enhancement," and use simple dynamical models to show that it is a realistic scenario within the parameter ranges of many common infectious diseases. This finding implies that repeated pathogen introduction or intermediate levels of vaccine coverage can lead to pathogen persistence in populations where extinction would otherwise be expected.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000165

Authors: Juliet R.C. Pulliam, Jonathan G. Dushoff, Simon A. Levin, Andrew P. Dobson

Institutions: Princeton University, National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center

Language: English

Topic: Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382