Explaining parasite aggregation: more than one parasite species at a time. Issue 4 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morrill, André; Dargent, Felipe; Forbes, Mark R.
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 47:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Aggregation -- Co-occurrence -- Coinfection -- Group formation -- Interspecific interactions; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Parasitology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7519

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Parasite-centric models are used to explore the effects of aggregation on coinfection. Aggregation increases the probability and intensity of conspecific co-occurrence. Aggregation lowers the probability, intensity and diversity of heterospecific infection. In light of the results, generalizable adaptive benefits of aggregation are suggested. Abstract: Studies generally have neglected parasite-centric views in explorations of whether the oft-seen patterns of parasite aggregation are adaptive. Using simulation models, we explored the effects of aggregation on coinfection with hetero- or conspecific parasite species characterised by different mean abundances. Increasing aggregation increased the probability of conspecific co-occurrence for parasites with low mean abundances, and increased median numbers of conspecifics for all species. In comparison, increasing aggregation generally decreased the probability, intensity and diversity of heterospecific co-occurrence, irrespective of mean abundance. Researchers should weigh the respective costs and benefits of increasing co-occurrence with conspecifics and decreasing coinfection with heterospecifics in explaining aggregation.