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. 2000 May 22;267(1447):985-90.
doi: 10.1098/rspb.2000.1100.

Evolution of parasite virulence against qualitative or quantitative host resistance

S Gandon  1 , Y Michalakis
Affiliations

Evolution of parasite virulence against qualitative or quantitative host resistance

S Gandon et al. Proc Biol Sci. .

Abstract

We analysed the effects of two different modes of host resistance on the evolution of parasite virulence. Hosts can either adopt an all-or-nothing qualitative response (i.e. resistant hosts cannot be infected) or a quantitative form of resistance (i.e. which reduces the within-host growth rate of the parasite). We show that the mode of host resistance greatly affects the evolutionary outcome. Specifically, a qualitative form of resistance reduces parasite virulence, while a quantitative form of resistance generally selects for higher virulence.

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