Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Epidemiology and Population Health
Committee Chair
O'Brien, Elizabeth
Author's Keywords
Evolution of virulence; Public health; Nematodes; History; Neglected tropical diseases; Host-parasite
Subject
Parasites; Medical parasitology; Parasitic diseases
Abstract
This thesis investigated infection dynamics of parasitic nematodes at both the population and individual levels by exploring evolutionary and historical aspects of infection as well as how host-parasite interactions influence virulence. In particular, this thesis sought to answer questions of how host populations have influenced the spread of infection and how transmission determines infection virulence, with a final goal of understanding how eradication programs for parasites can be developed or improved with this knowledge. The host-parasite dynamic was explored throughout history, with particular focus on the ways host populations have shaped infection distribution in present, historic, and prehistoric times. Then, data for each nematode was systemically collected and presented for a comprehensive analysis of virulence and transmission mode. It was discovered that microparasitic principles of virulence can be applied limitedly to predict virulence of macroparasitic nematodes, and the relative virulence of each nematode can be explained partially by transmission mode.
Recommended Citation
Welsh, Erin Christine 1987-, "Parasitic nematodes in humans : exploring the host-parasite dynamic through historical, biological, and public health evaluations of infection." (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1546.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/1546
