Travelling pathogens.

Numerous kinds of pathogens have spread around the world along with human travellers. A study of sea journeys in the age of sail and steam shows that their global distribution is not just a matter of transport availability but has to be described as a complex network of ecological factors. A better understanding of these connections sheds light on historic pandemics and might help prepare for future ones. Michael Gross reports. Pathogens have spread around the world along with human travellers. A study of historic sea journeys shows that their global distribution is not just a matter of transport availability but results from a complex network of ecological factors. Understanding these connections sheds light on historic pandemics and might help prepare for future ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]