Information Loss: Potential for Accelerating Natural Genetic Attenuation of RNA Viruses

Abstract

Loss of information is not always bad. In this paper, we investigate the potential for accelerating the genetic degeneration of RNA viruses as a means for slowing/containing pandemics. It has previously been shown that RNA viruses are vulnerable to lethal mutagenesis (the concept of inducing mutational degeneration in a given pathogen). This has led to the use of lethal mutagenesis as a clinical treatment for eradicating RNA virus from a given infected patient. The present study uses numerical simulation to explore the concept of accelerated mutagenesis as a way to enhance natural genetic attenuation of RNA viral strains at the epidemiological level. This concept is potentially relevant to improved management of pandemics, and may be applicable in certain instances where eradication of certain diseases is sought. We propose that mutation accumulation is a major factor in the natural attenuation of pathogenic strains of RNA viruses, and that this may contribute to the disappearance of old pathogenic strains and natural cessation of pandemics. We use a numerical simulation program, Mendel’s Accountant, to support this model and determine the primary factors that can enhance such degeneration. Our experiments suggest that natural genetic attenuation can be greatly enhanced by implementing three practices. (1) Strategic use of antiviral pharmaceuticals that increase RNA mutagenesis. (2) Improved hygiene to reduce inoculum levels and hence increase genetic bottlenecking. (3) Strategic use of broad-spectrum vaccines that induce partial immunity. In combination, these three practices should profoundly accelerate loss of biological information (attenuation) in RNA viruses.