Coevolution between host and pathogen is a powerful determinant of the biology and genetics of infection and disease. Interaction between host and parasite populations has epidemiological implications, particularly in the context of emerging and re-emerging diseases. If coevolution imposes constraints on susceptibility and pathogenicity, those constraints may no longer hold when new host-pathogen associations emerge or ancient associations are disrupted, affecting both the magnitude and severity of disease outbreaks. This applies not only when host populations are exposed to novel pathogens but also when they are exposed to different populations of existing pathogens. Understanding how pathogens respond to evolved changes in host characteristics may provide a good model for their all too apparent potential to respond to other kinds of change, such as the use of new drugs or vaccines to combat disease.

This meeting will bring together clinicians, research scientists and students from different fields of research interested in the biology and evolution of parasitic diseases.

Registration required:

Yes

Free:

No