Host-multiparasite interactions in amphibians: a review.

Area of Science:

• * Disease Ecology
• * Parasitology
• * Amphibian Biology

Background:

• * Parasites are ubiquitous, leading to frequent co-infections in animal hosts.
• * Studies on co-infections in non-domesticated animals, especially amphibians, are limited.
• * Amphibians face population declines and harbor diverse parasite fauna.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review literature on amphibian co-infections from field, veterinary, and lab studies.
• * To summarize within-host parasite interactions, influencing factors, and host effects.
• * To identify knowledge gaps in amphibian co-infection dynamics.

Main Methods:

• * Systematic literature review of amphibian co-infection studies.
• * Analysis of field surveys, veterinary case studies, and laboratory experiments.
• * Synthesis of data on parasite interactions, environmental factors, and host responses.

Main Results:

• * Co-infection patterns in amphibians are diverse and lack clear general trends.
• * Parasite interactions include additive, antagonistic, neutral, and synergistic effects.
• * Parasite arrival order and temperature are critical factors influencing outcomes.
• * Detrimental host effects generally increase with the number of co-infecting species.

Conclusions:

• * Understanding amphibian co-infections is vital for disease ecology and conservation.
• * Temperature is a key environmental factor affecting co-infection dynamics.
• * Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps for effective wildlife disease management.