Which factor might best explain why a pathogen infecting a host population often undergoes an initial rapid increase, followed by a decrease?
A) The pathogen becomes less virulent over time.
B) As the infection spreads, fewer susceptible individuals remain to be infected.
C) As the infection spreads, not all uninfected hosts are able to be infected.
D) Infected individuals can no longer transmit the pathogen.
E) The pathogen becomes more virulent over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the pathogen spreads and infects a larger proportion of the host population, there are fewer susceptible individuals left to infect. This often leads to a decrease in the rate of infection, as the pathogen encounters fewer opportunities to spread.

Which Factor Might Best Explain Why a Pathogen Infecting a Host