Are all hosts created equal? Partitioning host species contributions to parasite persistence in multihost communities

Fenton, A., Streicker, D. G. , Petchey, O. L. and Pedersen, A. B. (2015) Are all hosts created equal? Partitioning host species contributions to parasite persistence in multihost communities. American Naturalist, 186(5), pp. 610-622. (doi: 10.1086/683173) (PMID:26655774)

Abstract

Many parasites circulate endemically within communities of multiple host species. To understand disease persistence within these communities, it is essential to know the contribution each host species makes to parasite transmission and maintenance. However, quantifying those contributions is challenging. We present a conceptual framework for classifying multihost sharing, based on key thresholds for parasite persistence. We then develop a generalized technique to quantify each species’ contribution to parasite persistence, allowing natural systems to be located within the framework. We illustrate this approach using data on gastrointestinal parasites circulating within rodent communities and show that, although many parasites infect several host species, parasite persistence is often driven by just one host species. In some cases, however, parasites require multiple host species for maintenance. Our approach provides a quantitative method for differentiating these cases using minimal reliance on system-specific parameters, enabling informed decisions about parasite management within poorly understood multihost communities.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Streicker, Professor Daniel
• Authors: Fenton, A., Streicker, D. G., Petchey, O. L., and Pedersen, A. B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: American Naturalist
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• ISSN: 0003-0147
• ISSN (Online): 1537-5323
• Published Online: 18 September 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 University of Chicago Press
• First Published: First published in American Naturalist 186(5):610-622
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
63419	2	Managing viral emergence at the interface of bats and livestock	Daniel Streicker	Wellcome Trust (WELLCOME)	102507/Z/13/Z	RI BIODIVERSITY ANIMAL HEALTH & COMPMED