Immune Response to Disgust and Disease Cues

Synonyms

Disease cues and immune response; Disgust and immunity

Definition

The degree to which the immune system responds to disease cues.

Introduction

Pathogens including viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and parasites, including helminths (worms), ticks, and mites, have been an important selective force for all multicellular organisms. Pathogens and parasites take energy and resources from their hosts. They use their hosts to reproduce and make copies of themselves siphoning off calories and interfering with physiological processes. There is evidence that some pathogens and parasites alter hosts’ behavior and physiology to their own adaptive ends (e.g., some parasites sterilize their hosts). Two systems have evolved to prevent, mitigate, and eliminate infection. The immune system, a set of specialized cells and mechanisms, is mostly engaged when parasites and pathogens have entered the organism. The immune system fights infection by, for example, producing enzymes to destroy the structure...