Mixed-Species Assemblages and Disease: the Importance of Differential Vector and Parasite Attraction in Transmission Dynamics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-17-2023
Department 1
Biology
Abstract
Individuals from multiple species often aggregate at resources, group to facilitate defense and foraging, or are brought together by human activity. While it is well-documented that host-seeking disease vectors and parasites show biases in their responses to cues from different hosts, the influence of mixed-species assemblages on disease dynamics has received limited attention. Here, we synthesize relevant research in host-specific vector and parasite bias. To better understand how vector and parasite biases influence infection, we provide a conceptual framework describing cue-oriented vector and parasite host-seeking behaviour as a two-stage process that encompasses attraction of these enemies to the assemblage and their choice of hosts once at the assemblage. We illustrate this framework, developing a case study of mixed-species frog assemblages, where frog-biting midges transmit trypanosomes. Finally, we present a mathematical model that investigates how host species composition and asymmetries in vector attraction modulate transmission dynamics in mixed-species assemblages. We argue that differential attraction of vectors by hosts can have important consequences for disease transmission within mixed-species assemblages, with implications for wildlife conservation and zoonotic disease.
DOI
10.1098/rstb.2022.0109
Recommended Citation
Trillo Paula A., Bernal Ximena E. and Hall Richard J. 2023 Mixed-species assemblages and disease: the importance of differential vector and parasite attraction in transmission dynamics Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 37820220109 http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0109
Required Publisher's Statement
This article is available from the publisher's website.