Why are there so few pathogens? Ecology and evolution in pathogen emergence

by John M. Drake

Why are there so few pathogens, and what determines their emergence? The ecological and evolutionary forces of host availability, geographic exposure, and microbial innovation will shape future human diseases. Why are there so few pathogens, and what determines their emergence? This Perspective argues that ecological and evolutionary forces (host availability, geographic exposure and microbial innovation) will shape future human diseases.