Virulence and Transmissibility of Pathogens: What is the Relationship?

Overview

Journal Trends Microbiol

Date 1997 Jan 1

PMID 9025233

Citations 109

Authors

M Lipsitch

E R Moxon

Affiliations

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Abstract

The fitness of most pathogenic microorganisms depends on transmission from host to host. This requires adaptation for dissemination, translocation and survival between hosts, as well as for colonization. A complex relationship exists between these components of microbial fitness and virulence. Understanding this relationship has important implications for research and public health.

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