Nature Reviews Microbiology: The damage-response framework of microbial pathogenesis (2003)

All other curves are derived from this basic curve. The arrow indicates that the position of the curve is variable, and depends on the particular host–microorganism interaction. The y-axis denotes host damage as a function of the host response. In this scheme, host damage can occur throughout the host response, but is magnified at both extremes. The host response is represented by a continuum from ‘weak’ to ‘strong’. ‘Weak’ and ‘strong’ are terms that can encompass both quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the host response and are used as the best available terms to denote the spectrum of host response as more precise terms are limiting. Weak responses are those that are insufficient, poor or inappropriate — that is, they are not strong enough to benefit the host. Strong responses are those that are excessive, overly robust or inappropriate — that is, they are too strong and can damage the host. When a threshold amount of damage is reached, the host can become symptomatic and if damage is severe, death can ensue. Green, yellow and purple represent health, disease and severe disease, respectively.

Source: www.nature.com

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