Host-pathogen dynamics under sterilizing pathogens and fecundity-longevity trade-off in hosts

0489366 - BC 2019 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Janoušková, E. - Berec, Luděk
Host-pathogen dynamics under sterilizing pathogens and fecundity-longevity trade-off in hosts.
Journal of Theoretical Biology. Roč. 450, AUG 07 (2018), s. 76-85. ISSN 0022-5193. E-ISSN 1095-8541
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : mathematical model * infectious disease * pest control
OECD category: Ecology
Impact factor: 1.875, year: 2018
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022519318301759?via%3Dihub

We develop and study a model of host-pathogen interaction that builds on the idea that reduced fecundity of the infected individuals may save their energy expenditure on reproduction and thus increase their longevity relative to the susceptible ones. We find that the indirect effect of sterilizing pathogens on mortality of the infected hosts, mediated by a fecundity-longevity trade-off, may cause hosts to attain densities higher than when there is no effect of pathogens on host mortality. As a consequence, using sterilizing pathogens as agents of pest control may actually be less effective than previously thought. We even suggest that if sexual selection acts on the host species then the presence of sterilizing pathogens may even enhance host densities above the levels achieved without infection.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0285087