The role of spatial population structure on the evolution of parasites with acquired immunity and demography

► Our work emphasizes the importance of spatial structure to parasite evolution. ► Transmission/virulence trade-off favors chronic pathogens with low virulence. ► This effect reduces as the recovery rate increases. ► Virulence/recovery trade-off with local interactions favor more virulent parasites. ► Positive virulence/recovery trade-offs lead to evolutionary bistabilities.