Ádám Kun, András G Hubai, Adrienn Král, Judit Mokos, Benjámin Áron Mikulecz, Ádám Radványi
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引用次数: 2
Abstract
The direction the evolution of virulence takes in connection with any pathogen is a long-standing question. Formerly, it was theorized that pathogens should always evolve to be less virulent. As observations were not in line with this theoretical outcome, new theories emerged, chief among them the transmission-virulence trade-off hypotheses, which predicts an intermediate level of virulence as the endpoint of evolution. At the moment, we are very much interested in the future evolution of COVID-19's virulence. Here, we show that the disease does not fulfill all the assumptions of the hypothesis. In the case of COVID-19, a higher viral load does not mean a higher risk of death; immunity is not long-lasting; other hosts can act as reservoirs for the virus; and death as a consequence of viral infection does not shorten the infectious period. Consequently, we cannot predict the short- or long-term evolution of the virulence of COVID-19.
Biologia futuraAgricultural and Biological Sciences-Agricultural and Biological Sciences (all)
CiteScore
3.50
自引率
0.00%
发文量
27
期刊介绍：
How can the scientific knowledge we possess now influence that future? That is, the FUTURE of Earth and life − of humankind. Can we make choices in the present to change our future? How can 21st century biological research ask proper scientific questions and find solid answers? Addressing these questions is the main goal of Biologia Futura (formerly Acta Biologica Hungarica).
In keeping with the name, the new mission is to focus on areas of biology where major advances are to be expected, areas of biology with strong inter-disciplinary connection and to provide new avenues for future research in biology. Biologia Futura aims to publish articles from all fields of biology.
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