Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits.
The evolution of pathogens presents a paradox. Pathogenic species are often absolutely dependent on their host species for their propagation through evolutionary time, yet the pathogenic lifestyle requires that the host be damaged during this dependence. It is clear that pathogenic strategies are su...
| Format: | Article |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2006-05-01
|
| Series: | PLoS Pathogens |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0020042 |
| _version_ | 1811205093746278400 |
|---|---|
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The evolution of pathogens presents a paradox. Pathogenic species are often absolutely dependent on their host species for their propagation through evolutionary time, yet the pathogenic lifestyle requires that the host be damaged during this dependence. It is clear that pathogenic strategies are successful in evolutionary terms because a diverse array of pathogens exists in nature. Pathogens also evolve using a broad range of molecular mechanisms to acquire and modulate existing virulence traits in order to achieve this success. Detailing the benefit of enhanced selection derived through virulence and understanding the mechanisms through which virulence evolves are important to understanding the natural world and both have implications for human health. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T03:25:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-29baf4e239a446e38cbaa3891b9af70a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1553-7366 1553-7374 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T03:25:50Z |
| publishDate | 2006-05-01 |
| publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
| record_format | Article |
| series | PLoS Pathogens |
| spelling | doaj.art-29baf4e239a446e38cbaa3891b9af70a2022-12-22T03:49:43ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS Pathogens1553-73661553-73742006-05-0125e42Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits.The evolution of pathogens presents a paradox. Pathogenic species are often absolutely dependent on their host species for their propagation through evolutionary time, yet the pathogenic lifestyle requires that the host be damaged during this dependence. It is clear that pathogenic strategies are successful in evolutionary terms because a diverse array of pathogens exists in nature. Pathogens also evolve using a broad range of molecular mechanisms to acquire and modulate existing virulence traits in order to achieve this success. Detailing the benefit of enhanced selection derived through virulence and understanding the mechanisms through which virulence evolves are important to understanding the natural world and both have implications for human health.http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0020042 |
| spellingShingle | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. PLoS Pathogens |
| title | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. |
| title_full | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. |
| title_fullStr | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. |
| title_short | Crossing the line: selection and evolution of virulence traits. |
| title_sort | crossing the line selection and evolution of virulence traits |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0020042 |