Pathogens in Literature: Fictional Plotlines and Real-World Concerns

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Pathogens are often used in literature to add tension and drama to a story. A sudden outbreak of a deadly pathogen can drive the plot forward as characters race to find a cure. Pathogens can serve as a backdrop to explore ethical questions about issues such as resource allocation and access to health care during a crisis. Whether fictional or realistic, these stories encourage readers to reflect on the challenges of managing infectious diseases.

In the Transmission Interrupted podcast episode “Pathogens in Pop Culture: The Science Behind Infectious Storytelling” hosts Lauer Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo talk to special guest Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an infectious disease epidemiologist and a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, about pathogens in literature, exploring their role as both fictional plot points and addressing real-world concerns.

Dr. Rivers specializes in epidemics, pandemics, and biosecurity, and has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Nature, in addition to regularly posting on her Substack, Force of Infection.

Balancing Realism and Fiction in Literature

Authors including Michael Crichton, Richard Preston, and Stephen King have used pathogens as plot points in their novels to thrill and captivate readers, sometimes relying on scientifically accurate depictions and plausible scenarios and other times delving into the supernatural.

Stories about pathogens resonate with broad audiences and can serve as cautionary tales about the potential consequences of pandemics and outbreaks.

However, striking the right balance between adhering to reality or fictionalizing the pathogens in these stories is key to crafting an engaging and responsible story. Literature that uses fictionalized pathogens can make it harder to relate to real-world risks or draw direct parallels with public health efforts.

Conversely, there are potential ethical considerations that arise when using real pathogens as plot points in literature. In an age of bioterrorism, accurate detailed scientific information in stories involving the deliberate use of pathogens as weapons could be misused or misunderstood. A story that uses a real virus, like Ebola, could distress those affected by real-world outbreaks.

Yet there is immense power in well-told, realistic stories to inspire change and action, just as John Barry’s book on the 1918 influenza did for pandemic preparedness.

Harnessing the Power of Storytelling in Public Health

Storytelling is a powerful tool in public health communication, making complex health information more relatable. A story like John Barry’s “The Great Influenza” can illustrate the potential impact of a pathogen on our society and how public health interventions can save lives.

Finding ways to bridge the gap between scientists and the public is even more important when mistrust and skepticism of science and public health institutions is at an all-time high. Storytelling can help cut through the political noise by offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of real people.

Stories can be used by public health professionals and scientists to engage the public, promote awareness, and encourage positive behaviors to mitigate the risks of infectious diseases.

Listen to the podcast for more insights into the use of pathogens in literature.