Parasitic nematodes in humans : exploring the host-parasite dynamic through historical, biological, and public health evaluations of infection.

Evolution of virulence;Public health;Nematodes;History;Neglected tropical diseases;Host-parasite

Erin Christine Welsh, 1987-

University:University of Louisville

Department:Epidemiology and Population Health

关键词: Evolution of virulence;    Public health;    Nematodes;    History;    Neglected tropical diseases;    Host-parasite;   

Others  :  https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2545&context=etd

美国|英语

来源: The Universite of Louisville's Institutional Repository

【 摘 要 】

This thesis investigated infection dynamics of parasitic nematodes at both the populationand individual levels by exploring evolutionary and historical aspects of infection as wellas how host-parasite interactions influence virulence. In particular, this thesis sought toanswer questions of how host populations have influenced the spread of infection andhow transmission determines infection virulence, with a final goal of understanding howeradication programs for parasites can be developed or improved with this knowledge.The host-parasite dynamic was explored throughout history, with particular focus on theways host populations have shaped infection distribution in present, historic, and prehistorictimes. Then, data for each nematode was systemically collected and presented fora comprehensive analysis of virulence and transmission mode. It was discovered thatmicroparasitic principles of virulence can be applied limitedly to predict virulence ofmacroparasitic nematodes, and the relative virulence of each nematode can be explainedpartially by transmission mode.