Figure 7.

Spatial heterogeneity in CD8+ T-cell levels across the genital tract does not explain variable shedding rates between infected persons. The average (A) CD8+ T-cell variability between regions and (B) reproductive number variability between regions over time, does not differ between low and high shedders. (C) Genital tract regions with potential for high shedding (R < 1) predominate among low and high shedders. (D) High shedders have episodes with more region initiations per detected episode than low shedders: therefore, initiation of shedding in multiple regions per episode does not appear to decrease shedding rate.