Harnessing evolutionary biology to combat infectious disease

Little, T.J., Allen, J.E., Babayan, S.A. , Matthews, K.R. and Colegrave, N. (2012) Harnessing evolutionary biology to combat infectious disease. Nature Medicine, 18(2), pp. 217-220. (doi: 10.1038/nm.2572)

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Abstract

Pathogens have remarkable abilities to flout therapeutic intervention. This characteristic is driven by evolution, either as a direct response to intervention (for example, the evolution of antibiotic resistance) or through long-term co-evolution that generates host or parasite traits that interact with therapy in undesirable or unpredicted ways. To make progress towards successful control of infectious diseases, the concepts and techniques of evolutionary biology must be deeply integrated with traditional approaches to immunology and pathogen biology. An interdisciplinary approach can inform our strategies to control pathogens or even the treatment of infected patients, positioning us to meet the current and future challenges of controlling infectious diseases.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Babayan, Dr Simon
Authors: Little, T.J., Allen, J.E., Babayan, S.A., Matthews, K.R., and Colegrave, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Nature Medicine
ISSN:1078-8956
ISSN (Online):1546-170X

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