How Does Natural Selection Affect Human Pathogens

The encounter of pathogens throughout human evolution and periods of migration results in an unfavorable relationship between the two species. As Karlsson, Kwiatkowski, and Sabeti write in their article, Natural Selection and Infectious Disease in Human Populations, it is known that the ancient relationship impacts pathogenic tendencies within humans today. In the article, the authors visit the genetics of various infectious and dangerous diseases, as well as common and less threatening diseases within the human species. They also look at geographical origin of various human pathogens, as well as a historical timeline of pathogenic introduction into humans. The authors introduce the article by discussing host genetics and their susceptibility to pathogens depending on their make up. They explain that pathogens serve as a detriment to immunity, a well-known fact. Decreased resistance leads to poorer reproductive success, continual sickness, and death in many cases. Because of these effects, pathogens serve as drivers …show more content…
They discuss several factors that involve the influence of natural selection, including geographic location to affect phenotype. They then discuss these selective markers result in pathogenic drivers to give rise to variants for decreased disease resistance. The relationship of host genetics to pathogens and other gene-altering methods give rise to further study of mental disorders including schizophrenia and autism. The authors state that understanding the methodical process of natural selection within human history is imperative in combating diseases today. "At the dawn of genomic medicine, our ancient evolutionary history is one of our most powerful resources for understanding human biology towards improving human health," (Karlsson, Kwiatkowski, & Sabeti, 2014, pg.