Heterogeneity in pathogen transmission: mechanisms and methodology

摘要: Summary Heterogeneity in the ability of hosts to transmit pathogens is among most fundamental concepts disease dynamics and has major implications for control strategies. The number secondary infections produced by an infected individual a function three components: individual's infectiousness, rate at which it contacts susceptible individuals duration infection. Individual-level variation can emerge each these components through combination behavioural physiological mechanisms. In this review, we describe mechanisms that promote transmits pathogen, emphasizing insights be gained understanding transmission (infectiousness, contact rate, infection duration) are primarily affected. We also discuss how processes generate heterogeneities across multiple scales, from individual-level heterogeneity species. Strategies quantifying component presented, why studies focusing on only one process may misleading. To conclude, future research all provide more holistic view pathogen transmission.