Hypervirulence and pathogen fitness.
Historically, pathogenesis research has focused on the identification and characterization of virulence factors. More recently, 'anti-virulence' genes have been discovered. Mutations in these loci result in a hypervirulent phenotype, as measured by a lower lethal dose, a colonization advantage, reduced clearance or decreased survival time of the host. If these genes function to reduce pathogen virulence, why have they been retained? Multiple hypotheses have been offered to explain this phenomenon.
Foreman-Wykert
Amy K
AK
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1747, USA.
Miller
Jeff F
JF
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000635:transmission*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins