Abstract
The evolution of virulence in host-parasite relationships has been the subject of several publications. In the case of HIV virulence, some authors suggest that the evolution of HIV virulence correlates with the rate of acquisition of new sexual partners. In contrast some other authors argue that the level of HIV virulence is independent of the sexual activity of the host population. Provide a mathematical model for the study of the potential influence of human sexual behaviour on the evolution of virulence of HIV is provided. The results indicated that, when the probability of acquisition of infection is a function both of the sexual activity and of the virulence level of HIV strains, the evolution of HIV virulence correlates positively with the rate of acquisition of new sexual partners. It is concluded that in the case of a host population with a low (high) rate of exchange of sexual partners the evolution of HIV virulence is such that the less (more) virulent strain prevails.
Highlights
The evolution of virulence in host-parasite relationships has been the subject of several publications
Assuming a population with a constant supply of new susceptibles they conclude that, in the long run, new partner acquisition rates should have no effect on the evolution of pathogen virulence
In the case of HIV virulence, some authors have been addressing the subject with basically two opposite points of view with regard to the importance of sexual activity level
Summary
The results indicated that, when the probability of acquisition of infection is a function both of the sexual activity and of the virulence level of HIV strains, the evolution of HIV virulence correlates positively with the rate of acquisition of new sexual partners
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