This paper presents a theoretical framework to understand lag-induced extinction in spatially structured viral populations subject to diffusion delays, integrating deterministic delay differential equations with stochastic metapopulation theory to quantify the influence of diffusion lags on critical community sizes and extinction thresholds.
Key findings
Developed a novel class of reaction-diffusion models with distributed time delays.
Derived analytical expressions for critical delay time beyond which viral populations inevitably decline to extinction.
Characterized phase transitions between persistence and extinction regimes.
Established theoretical bounds on viral persistence in fragmented host populations.
Limitations & open questions
Limited theoretical attention on diffusion delays affecting extinction thresholds in spatially structured viral populations.