1. Patterns and drivers of vector-borne microparasites in a classic metapopulation
- Author
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Laura S. Mackenzie, Xavier Lambin, Emma Bryce, Claire L. Davies, Richard Hassall, Ali A. M. Shati, Chris Sutherland, and Sandra E. Telfer
- Subjects
classic metapopulation ,connectivity ,dispersal ,distance-dependent ,host ,life-history ,vector ,vector-borne ,Biochemistry ,QD415-436 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Many organisms live in fragmented populations, which has profound consequences on the dynamics of associated parasites. Metapopulation theory offers a canonical framework for predicting the effects of fragmentation on spatiotemporal host–parasite dynamics. However, empirical studies of parasites in classical metapopulations remain rare, particularly for vector-borne parasites. Here, we quantify spatiotemporal patterns and possible drivers of infection probability for several ectoparasites (fleas, Ixodes trianguliceps and Ixodes ricinus) and vector-borne microparasites (Babesia microti, Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp.) in a classically functioning metapopulation of water vole hosts. Results suggest that the relative importance of vector or host dynamics on microparasite infection probabilities is related to parasite life-histories. Bartonella, a microparasite with a fast life-history, was positively associated with both host and vector abundances at several spatial and temporal scales. In contrast, B. microti, a tick-borne parasite with a slow life-history, was only associated with vector dynamics. Further, we provide evidence that life-history shaped parasite dynamics, including occupancy and colonization rates, in the metapopulation. Lastly, our findings were consistent with the hypothesis that landscape connectivity was determined by distance-based dispersal of the focal hosts. We provide essential empirical evidence that contributes to the development of a comprehensive theory of metapopulation processes of vector-borne parasites. more...
- Published
- 2023
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