Explaining variance of avian malaria infection in the wild: the importance of host density, habitat, individual life-history and oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Avian malaria (Plasmodium sp.) is globally widespread, but considerable variation exists in infection (presence/absence) patterns at small spatial scales. This variation can be driven by variation in ecology, demography, and phenotypic characters, in particular those that influence the host's resistance. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the host's initial immune responses to combat parasitic invasion. However, long-term ROS exposure can harm the host and the redox response therefore needs to be adjusted according to infection stage and host phenotype. Here we use experimental and correlational approaches to assess the relative importance of host density, habitat composition, individual level variation and redox physiology for Plasmodium infection in

SUBMITTER: Isaksson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3639228 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature