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.
Why do parasites have specific hosts?
Parasites are strongly dependent on host suitability for successful reproduction. Some parasites may prosper using a broad range of hosts, while others specialise on one particular host species1. For generalist parasites, it is very important to select host species that maximize their fitness.
Why are some parasites host-specific and some parasites are not?
For a parasite, a host is suitable if the parasite is able to reproduce in and transmit from this host species. Hosts that do not allow for secondary infections are of little relevance for the parasite's host range, although the interaction may still be detrimental to the host. A host's perspective is different.
Are parasites host-specific?
The majority of parasite species are highly host-specific, and there are only few true generalist species.
How do parasites choose their host species?
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.
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