The Evolution of a Pathogen

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2010

Disciplines

Mathematics | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Advisor

Robert Hesse, Mathematics

Abstract

A new area of Mathematics called Mathematical Biology has been created quite recently which uses mathematical models to explain and diagram biological systems. Infections are all around us whether it is as small and nonthreatening as a wart on your foot or as life threatening as HIV. The question then arises why some pathogens act more violently than others, and we intend on creating a model that will help explain the differences in pathogenicities across infections. A series of models were created to explain how we might be able to change a pathogen into a lighter less deadly strain.

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