Summary
R0 is the average number of new infections one case causes in a fully susceptible population.
In depth
R0 depends on transmissibility, contact rate and infectious period. If R0 is above 1, spreads; below 1, dies out. Rt is the effective number during an outbreak, lowered by immunity and measures.
R0 is not fixed; it depends on behaviour and population. Control aims to bring effective R below 1. Superspreading events create heterogeneity.
Key idea: reducing contacts or susceptibility lowers R.
Frequently asked questions
What is Basic Reproduction Number?
R0 is the average number of new infections one case causes in a fully susceptible population.
Which area of biology covers Basic Reproduction Number, and how advanced is it?
Basic Reproduction Number is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Infectious Disease Transmission, Herd Immunity, HIV and AIDS.
Can you give an example of Basic Reproduction Number?
Measles R0 about 12 to 18; seasonal flu about 1.3.
What should I learn before Basic Reproduction Number?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Basic Reproduction Number. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Basic Reproduction Number?
The closest topics to Basic Reproduction Number are Infectious Disease Transmission, Herd Immunity, HIV and AIDS, Virus Evolution. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Basic Reproduction Number?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Basic Reproduction Number. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Basic Reproduction Number different from Infectious Disease Transmission?
Basic Reproduction Number: R0 is the average number of new infections one case causes in a fully susceptible population. Infectious Disease Transmission: Pathogens spread by air, water, food, contact or vectors such as mosquitoes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Basic Reproduction Number step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Infectious Disease Transmission and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.