Each parasite species finds and enters its host using a different series of cues. For example, different species of schistosomes enter the human skin using different recognition sequences. The various recognition strategies may reflect adaptations to distinct ecological conditions of transmission.
Are parasites host specific?
Host specificity encompasses the range and diversity of host species that a parasite is capable of infecting and is considered a crucial measure of a parasite's potential to shift hosts and trigger disease emergence.
Why are some parasites host specific?
Host specificity is influenced by the behavior and ecology of both parasite and host. Where parasites are active, vagile and coupled with hosts whose behavior and ecology brings the parasite into contact with many potential hosts, the likelihood of host switching is increased, usually leading to lowered specificity.
Are most parasites host specific?
The majority of parasite species are highly host-specific, and there are only few true generalist species.
Can parasites control their hosts?
"Some parasites can alter the behaviour of their host in ways that give the parasite a better home, or provide more nutrients, or cause the host to move to a different environment," said Janice Moore, a biologist at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Do roundworms have an intermediate host?What is the specific definitive host organism of the roundworm?
