Sometimes, pathogens don't need host mobility for transmission. In these situations, natural selection favors more "virulent" pathogens. That is the general theme of this TED talk given by evolutionary biologist Paul Ewald. I have always been fascinated by this idea in that spread of hospital pathogens does not require host mobility. Could there be other aspects of his theories that could be exploited for infection prevention (or by the pathogen)? Would increased compliance with hand hygiene eventually select for less virulent pathogens. Food for thought. If you are interested in reading more, I recommend his book Evolution of Infectious Diseases.
Click for TED video including iPad/iPhone (non-flash) version: link
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