Journal article
Trypanosomes, fleas and field voles: ecological dynamics of a host-vector–parasite interaction
Parasitology, Vol.131(03), pp.355-365
2005
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of a flea-borne protozoan (Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) microti) in its field vole (Microtus agrestis) host, we monitored over a 2-year period a range of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters pertaining to host demographics, infection status and vector (flea) prevalence. Generalized Linear Mixed Modelling was used to analyse patterns of both flea and trypanosome occurrence. Overall, males of all sizes and ages were more likely to be infested with fleas than their female counterparts. Flea prevalence also showed direct density dependence during the winter, but patterns of density dependence varied amongst body mass (age) classes during the summer. Trypanosome prevalence did not vary between the sexes but was positively related to past flea prevalence with a lag of 3 months, with the highest levels occurring during the autumn season. A convex age-prevalence distribution was observed, suggesting that individuals develop a degree of immunity to trypanosome infection with age and exposure. An interaction between age and whether the individual was new or recaptured suggested that infected animals are less likely to become territory holders than their uninfected counterparts.
Details
- Title
- Trypanosomes, fleas and field voles: ecological dynamics of a host-vector–parasite interaction
- Authors/Creators
- A. Smith (Author/Creator)S. Telfer (Author/Creator)S. Burthe (Author/Creator)M. Bennett (Author/Creator)M. Begon (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Parasitology, Vol.131(03), pp.355-365
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Identifiers
- 991005545447707891
- Copyright
- © 2005 Cambridge University Press
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.261 Parasitology - Trypanosoma & Leishmania
- 1.261.596 Trypanosoma Biology
- Web Of Science research areas
- Parasitology
- ESI research areas
- Microbiology