Host Resistance and Behavior Determine Invasion Dynamics of a Detrimental Aquatic Disease

ABSTRACT Understanding the role of variation in host resistance and the multitude of transmission modes of parasites infecting hosts with complex behavioral interactions is essential for the control of emerging diseases. We used a discrete stage model to study the invasion dynamics of crayfish plagu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecology and evolution 2024-10, Vol.14 (10), p.e70393-n/a
Main Authors: Koivu‐Jolma, Mikko, Kortet, Raine, Vainikka, Anssi, Kaitala, Veijo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aphanomyces astaci
Astacus astacus
Cannibalism
Coexistence
Conspecifics
Crayfish
crayfish plague
Disease control
Disease resistance
Disease transmission
emergent disease
Epidemics
Epidemiology
Infections
Juveniles
necrophagy
Ordinary differential equations
Parasite resistance
Parasites
Population density
Population studies
Scavenging
transmission
Virulence
Zoospores
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Summary:ABSTRACT Understanding the role of variation in host resistance and the multitude of transmission modes of parasites infecting hosts with complex behavioral interactions is essential for the control of emerging diseases. We used a discrete stage model to study the invasion dynamics of crayfish plague—an example of a detrimental disease—into a naïve host population that displays within‐population variation in resistance of environmental infections and juvenile classes that are safe from contacts with adults. In the model, infection sources include four age classes of crayfish, contaminated carcasses, and free‐dwelling zoospores. Disease transmission occurs via environment with a threshold infection density and through contacts, cannibalism, and scavenging of disease‐killed conspecifics. Even if the infection is fatal, coexistence of the host and the parasite can be facilitated by variance of resistance and survival of the hiding juveniles. The model can be applied in the control of emerging diseases especially in crayfish‐like organisms. To control emerging diseases, we need to understand the effects of variation in host resistance and the multitude of transmission modes of parasites combined with hosts' complex behavioral interactions. Based on a discrete stage model, we propose that even if the infection is fatal, coexistence of the host and the parasite can be facilitated by variance in resistance and the partial separation of juveniles from adults.
ISSN:2045-7758
2045-7758
DOI:10.1002/ece3.70393