Imperfect vaccines and the evolution of pathogen virulence.

Journal article

Vaccines rarely provide full protection from disease. Nevertheless, partially effective (imperfect) vaccines may be used to protect both individuals and whole populations. We studied the potential impact of different types of imperfect vaccines on the evolution of pathogen virulence (induced host mortality) and the consequences for public health. Here we show that vaccines designed to reduce pathogen growth rate and/or toxicity diminish selection against virulent pathogens. The subsequent evo...

Expand abstract

Authors: Gandon, S; Mackinnon, M; Nee, S; Read, A

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Nature
• Volume: 414
• Issue: 6865
• Pages: 751-756
• Publication date: 2001-12-01
• DOI: 10.1038/414751a
• EISSN: 1476-4687
• ISSN: 0028-0836
• Language: English
• Keywords: Host-Parasite Interactions; Immunity; Malaria, Falciparum; Vaccines; Virulence; Disease; Adaptation, Physiological; Epidemiologic Methods; Selection, Genetic; Biological Evolution; Population Dynamics; Disease Susceptibility; Prevalence; Infection; Models, Biological; Humans; Mortality; Immunization Programs