title: [The concept of space in infectious disease epidemiology]
abstract: This article analyzes how space is employed in infectious disease epidemiology, with a brief retrospective of the various definitions of space and its implications. Emphasis is given to the theory of natural foci of infectious diseases formulated by Pavlovsky and the interactions of epidemiology and geography.The current problem posed by emerging infections is seen as a determinant of the need for further discussion on the concept of space in infectious disease epidemiology.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Clínica Médica. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13081-970, Brasil. luisjs@correionet.com.br
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Silva