Assembling evidence for identifying reservoirs of infection
Many pathogens persist in multihost systems, making the identification of infection reservoirs crucial for devising effective interventions. Here, we present a conceptual framework for classifying patterns of incidence and prevalence, and review recent scientific advances that allow us to study and manage reservoirs simultaneously. We argue that interventions can have a crucial role in enriching our mechanistic understanding of how reservoirs function and should be embedded as quasi-experimental studies in adaptive management frameworks. Single approaches to the study of reservoirs are unlikely to generate conclusive insights whereas the formal integration of data and methodologies, involving interventions, pathogen genetics, and contemporary surveillance techniques, promises to open up new opportunities to advance understanding of complex multihost systems.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2014 |
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Title | Assembling evidence for identifying reservoirs of infection |
DOI | 10.1016/j.tree.2014.03.002 |
Authors | Mafalda Viana, Rebecca Mancy, Roman Biek, Sarah Cleaveland, Paul C. Cross, James O. Lloyd-Smith, Daniel T. Haydon |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Trends in Ecology and Evolution |
Index ID | 70131493 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center; Contaminant Biology Program |