Inferring the Ecological Niche of Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. in Wild Felids.

ABSTRACT: Traditional epidemiological studies of disease in animal populations often focus on directly transmitted pathogens. One reason pathogens with complex lifecycles are understudied could be due to challenges associated with detection in vectors and the environment. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a methodological approach that overcomes some of the detection challenges often seen with vector or environmentally dependent pathogens. We test this approach using a unique dataset of two pathogens in wild felids across North America: Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. in bobcats (Lynx rufus) and puma (Puma concolor). We found three main patterns. First, T. gondii showed a broader use of environmental conditions than did Bartonella spp. Also, ecologica

SUBMITTER: Escobar LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5650989 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature