Amplification of pathogenic Leptospira infection with greater abundance and co‐occurrence of rodent hosts across a counter‐urbanizing landscape

摘要: Land use change can elevate disease risk by creating conditions beneficial to species that carry zoonotic pathogens. Observations of concordant global trends in increased pathogen prevalence or incidence and landscape have generated concerns urbanization could increase transmission some Yet host-pathogen relationships underlying not been well characterized within cities, even where contact between humans capable transmitting pathogens concern occurs. We addressed this deficit testing the hypothesis areas cities experiencing greater population loss infrastructure decline (i.e., counter-urbanization) support a diversity host larger more diverse pool did so characterizing pathogenic Leptospira infection relative rodent richness abundance across mosaic abandonment post-Katrina New Orleans (Louisiana, USA). found loads were highest harboured (which ranged from one four detected). Areas with co-occurrence also hosts, including most likely high loads, indicating be amplified increases overall abundance. Evidence shared among indicates cross-species probably at sites richness. Additionally, evidence load parallel suggests counter-urbanization particularly underserved communities are burdened disproportionate concentrations derelict properties.