THE ROLE OF LIZARDS IN THE ECOLOGY OF LYME DISEASE IN TWO ENDEMIC ZONES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

摘要: We examined the role of lizards in ecology Lyme disease New York and Maryland. collected data on vector tick infestations, measured lizard “realized” reservoir competence for spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, estimated population density. These were incorporated into a model that predicts host's ability to influence prevalence B. burgdorferi population, primary risk factor epidemiology disease. Published other northeastern hosts included provide reference interpreting importance as hosts. The results indicate 5-lined skinks (Eumeces fasciatus) are dilution hosts, capable reducing infection by 10.7–51.5 percentage points, whereas eastern fence (Sceloporus undulatus) not areas studied. Owing moderate burdens larval ticks, relatively high densities, incompetence, E. ...