Publication
Title
Relationship between population density and viral infection : a role for personality?
Author
Abstract
Conspecific density and animal personality (consistent among‐individual differences in behavior) may both play an important role in disease ecology. Nevertheless, both factors have rarely been studied together but may provide insightful information in understanding pathogen transmission dynamics. In this study, we investigated how both personality and density affect viral infections both direct and indirectly, using the multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis) and Morogoro arenavirus (MORV) as a model system. Using a replicated semi‐natural experiment, we found a positive cor‐relation between MORV antibody presence and density, suggesting that MORV in‐fection is density‐dependent. Surprisingly, slower explorers were more likely to have antibodies against MORV compared to highly explorative individuals. However, explo‐ration was positively correlated with density which may suggest a negative, indirect effect of density on MORV infection. We have shown here that in order to better un‐derstand disease ecology, both personality and density should be taken into account.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ecology and evolution. - Oxford, 2011, currens
Publication
Hoboken : Wiley , 2019
ISSN
2045-7758
DOI
10.1002/ECE3.5541
Volume/pages
12 p.
ISI
000481746600001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
The link between animal personality and infection risk in natural populations of Mastomys natalensis infected with Morogoro arenavirus.
Global Ecosystem Functioning and Interactions with Global Change.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 26.08.2019
Last edited 25.11.2024
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