How Does Pathogen Variability Impact Disease Transmission?
Variability in pathogens can influence their transmission dynamics in several ways. For instance, some variants may be more easily transmitted from one host to another, increasing the spread of an infectious disease. Additionally, certain variants may have a higher affinity for specific host receptors, enhancing their ability to infect particular populations. This variability can lead to changes in the basic reproduction number (R0) of a disease, affecting its potential to cause outbreaks or pandemics.
