Evolution of infectious disease: A biocultural analysis of AIDS

American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council
G J ArmelagosThomas Leatherman

Abstract

The evolution of infectious disease can be understood from an ecological model that incorporates information from anthropology, epidemiology, and biomedicine. This model considers variables such as the pathogen, the host population, and the environment. In this model, the role that culture as well as other environmental variables plays in the transmission of infectious disease in human populations is considered. In addition, the sociocultural response and its impact on the disease process can be analyzed. The present AIDS epidemic is placed in an ecological and evolutionary context of the disease in hominid evolution. The interaction between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and human populations is considered in this perspective. The ability of the virus to survive in semen and blood both increases as well as limits the possibility of transmission. Cultural practices that increase the transmission of blood and semen or increase sexual activity will obviously increase the potential risk of viral transmission. In societies that practice exchange of blood, blood transfusion, and where vaccinations with unclean needles exist or where there is intravenous (IV) drug use, the transmission of HIV by blood is enhanced. HIV which can c...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 10, 2010·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Kristin Harper, George Armelagos
Dec 11, 2003·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Linda M Van Blerkom
Apr 18, 2006·Journal of Physiological Anthropology·James A Stewart
Jul 19, 2020·American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council·Morgan K Hoke, Lawrence M Schell
Mar 1, 1992·Medical Anthropology·G J ArmelagosL Sibley

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