Eight challenges in modelling disease ecology in multi-host, multi-agent systems

Abstract

Many disease systems exhibit complexities not captured by current theoretical and empirical work. In particular, systems with multiple host species and multiple infectious agents (i.e., multi-host, multi-agent systems) require novel methods to extend the wealth of knowledge acquired studying primarily single-host, single-agent systems. We outline eight challenges in multi-host, multi-agent systems that could substantively increase our knowledge of the drivers and broader ecosystem effects of infectious disease dynamics.

Keywords

• Multiple hosts
• Multiple pathogens
• Community ecology
• Maintenance
• Food webs