title: Coccidian and nematode infections influence prevalence of antibody to myxoma and rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruses in European rabbits.
abstract: The interaction among several parasites in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is crucial to host fitness and to the epidemiology of myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease. These diseases have caused significant reductions in rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula. Most studies have focused on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these viruses individually, and little is known about interactions between these viruses and other parasites. Taking advantage of an experimental restocking program in Spain, the effects of coccidian and nematode infections on the probability of having detectable antibody to myxoma and rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruses were tested in European wild rabbits. For 14 mo, we monitored rabbit abundance and parasite loads (coccidia and nematodes) in three reintroduced rabbit populations. While coccidian and nematode loads explained seasonal antibody prevalences to myxoma virus, the pattern was less clear for rabbit hemorrhagic disease. Contrary to expectations, prevalence of antibody to myxoma virus was inversely proportional to coccidian load, while nematode load seemed to play a minor role. These results have implications for viral disease epidemiology and for disease management intended to increase rabbit populations in areas where they are important for ecosystem conservation.
authors: Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation Department, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain. alexberto@ebd.csic.es
authors: Alejandro
authors: A
authors: Bertó-Moran
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Pacios
authors: Emmanuel
authors: E
authors: Serrano
authors: Sacramento
authors: S
authors: Moreno
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Rouco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D017929:Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Rabbit / Q000276:immunology*; D009233:Myxoma virus / Q000276:immunology*; D009234:Myxomatosis, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D059208:Parasite Load; D015995:Prevalence; D011817:Rabbits / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral