The basic reproductive number and particle-to-plaque ratio: comparison of these two parameters of viral infectivity
Winston McCormick, Leonard A. Mermel
Abstract
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought more widespread attention to the basic reproductive number (R o ), an epidemiologic measurement. A lesser-known measure of virologic infectivity is the particle-to-plaque ratio (P:PFU). We suggest that comparison between the two parameters may assist in better understanding viral transmission dynamics.
Topics & Concepts
InfectivityBiologyVirologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Basic reproduction numberTransmission (telecommunications)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Pandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirusPopulationInternal medicineMedicineInfectious disease (medical specialty)Environmental healthDiseaseElectrical engineeringOutbreakEngineeringCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchViral Infections and Outbreaks Research