Transmission and virulence Flashcards
What is transmission
It is the spread of a parasite to a host
What is virulence
Is the harm caused to a host species by a parasite
How are ectoparasites transmitted?
They are generally transmitted though direct contact or by consumption of intermediate hosts
How are endoparasites transmitted?
Endoparasites of the body tissues are often transmitted by vectors.
Factors that increase the rate of transmission
The overcrowding of hosts when they are at high density
Mechanisms, such as vector and waterborne dispersal stages, that allow the parasite to spread even if infected hosts are incapacitated.
Why is host behaviour exploited?
It is exploited and modified by parasites to maximise transmission
How can they alter behaviour?
Foraging, movement, sexual behaviour, habitat choice or anti-predator behaviour.
What does the host behaviour become?
The extended phenotype of the parasite
What do parasites do to the hosts immune system
They suppress and modify host size and reproductive rate in ways that benefit the parasite growth, reproduction or transmission
