Inferring host-parasite relationships using stable isotopes: implications for disease transmission and host

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Paul Stapp1, Daniel J Salkeld

  • 1Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California 92834-6850, USA. pstapp@fullerton.edu

Ecology
|December 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Grasshopper mice may not spread plague via fleas as previously thought. Stable isotope analysis revealed prairie dog fleas fed on prairie dogs, not grasshopper mice, challenging disease ecology assumptions.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology of infectious diseases
  • Vector-borne pathogen transmission
  • Host-parasite interactions

Background:

  • Understanding host and vector roles is crucial for multi-host pathogen ecology.
  • Grasshopper mice were suspected vectors of plague (Yersinia pestis) in prairie dog colonies via flea transmission.
  • Conclusive evidence of prairie dog fleas (Oropsylla hirsuta) feeding on grasshopper mice was previously lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the feeding patterns of Oropsylla hirsuta fleas on grasshopper mice.
  • To clarify the role of grasshopper mice in the transmission ecology of Yersinia pestis.
  • To assess the reliability of inferring host-parasite relationships based on ectoparasite occurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Stable nitrogen isotope analysis of blood-engorged Oropsylla hirsuta fleas collected from wild grasshopper mice.
  • Comparison of isotopic signatures to identify blood meal sources.

Main Results:

  • Stable nitrogen isotope analysis indicated that blood meals in Oropsylla hirsuta fleas from grasshopper mice originated from prairie dogs.
  • This suggests grasshopper mice do not acquire plague via O. hirsuta flea bites.

Conclusions:

  • Grasshopper mice may be infected with Yersinia pestis through alternative routes like scavenging or mechanical transmission, not flea feeding.
  • The findings question the ability of grasshopper mice to maintain plague in prairie dog populations between outbreaks.
  • Caution is advised when inferring host-parasite feeding relationships solely based on ectoparasite presence; stable isotope analysis offers a valuable alternative.

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