title: Multiple-genotype infections and their complex effect on virulence.
abstract: Multiple infections are common. Although in recent years our understanding of multiple infections has increased significantly, it has also become clear that a diversity of aspects has to be considered to understand the interplay between co-infecting parasite genotypes of the same species and its implications for virulence and epidemiology, resulting in high complexity. Here, we review different interaction mechanisms described for multiple infections ranging from competition to cooperation. We also list factors influencing the interaction between co-infecting parasite genotypes and their influence on virulence. Finally, we emphasise the importance of between-host effects and their evolution for understanding multiple infections and their implications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Biology, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastr. 11, D-49076 Osnabrueck, Germany.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bose
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Biology, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastr. 11, D-49076 Osnabrueck, Germany.
authors.forename: Michaela H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kloesener
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Biology, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastr. 11, D-49076 Osnabrueck, Germany. Electronic address: rebecca.schulte@biologie.uni-osnabrueck.de.
authors.forename: Rebecca D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Schulte
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005838:Genotype; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000235:genetics*; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014774:Virulence
keywords: Co-infection; Epidemiology; Genotype-specific interaction; Parasite genotypes