Experimental evidence of parasite-induced behavioural alterations modulated by food availability in wild capuchin monkeys.

ABSTRACT: In disease dynamics, host behaviour can both determine the quantity of parasites a host is exposed to, and be a consequence of infection. Observational and experimental studies in non-human primates have consistently found that parasitic infections result in less movement and reduced foraging, which was interpreted as an adaptive response of the host to counter infection. Variation in host nutritional condition may add complexity to the infection-behaviour relationship, and its influence may shed light on its significance. To experimentally evaluate how host activity and social relationships are affected by the interaction of parasitism and nutrition, during two years we manipulated food availability by provisioning bananas, and helminth infections by applying antiparasitic drugs, in two g

SUBMITTER: Agostini I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9947137 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature