Basic reproduction number
Basic reproduction number (R0)
The Basic reproduction number (R0), pronounced as "R naught", is a term used in epidemiology to denote the expected number of cases directly generated by one case in a population where all individuals are susceptible to infection.
Pronunciation
R0 is pronounced as "R naught".
Etymology
The term "Basic reproduction number" was first used in the field of epidemiology to measure the transmission potential of a disease. The term "R0" is derived from the mathematical representation of the basic reproduction number, where "R" stands for reproduction and "0" indicates that it is the initial value.
Definition
The basic reproduction number, R0, is the average number of secondary infections produced by a typical case of an infection in a population where everyone is susceptible. It is a central concept in infectious disease modelling, as it provides a measure of the potential for disease spread.
Related Terms
- Epidemic: An outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many individuals at the same time.
- Pandemic: An epidemic that has spread over a large area, that is, it's prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.
- Endemic: A disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
- Infectious disease: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
- Susceptible individual: An individual who is not resistant to a disease and can contract it.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basic reproduction number
- Wikipedia's article - Basic reproduction number
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