Volume : IV, Issue : V, May - 2014

Host Versus Habitat: Borrelia Burgdorferi Sl in the Wild

Spinu Marina, Niculae Mihaela, Pall Emoke, Sandru Carmen Dana

Abstract :

The conditioning role of habitat/biodiversity for disease development and course became lately a prominent issue for scientists. Pathogens and/or parasites are dependant on their host species therefore the increased variety of species in a habitat would “dilute” the number of efficient reservoir hosts and thus, pathogen/parasite expansion and disease transmission amongst wildlife. Lyme disease is perpetuated by enzootic maintenance cycles with multiple hosts amid reptiles, birds, and mammals, occurring simultaneously, with a peculiar pathogenesis and persistence of the bacteria in the wild. Nevertheless, the habitat, including the diversity of its specific living community, where the interaction between the agent and the host is placed, directs the outcome towards dilution or amplification. Active interference of the agent and host in a specific environment delineates the persistence, transmission and infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi sl. Although specific association between several closely related Borrelia spp and particular host and/or vector species exist, loose associations in transmission cycles in nature should be defined and considered. Decline in biodiversity diminishes the dilution effects exerted by high variability of host species in a habitat, therefore the conservation of natural ecosystems by compulsory solid systems of surveillance could provide protection against emerging pathogens by fostering biodiversity and also reducing human/domestic animals – wildlife contacts.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Spînu Marina, Niculae Mihaela, Páll Emöke, Şandru Carmen Dana Host Versus Habitat: Borrelia Burgdorferi Sl in the Wild Indian Journal of Applied Research, Volume.4, Issue.5, May-2014

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