Borrelia afzeliialters reproductive success in a rodent host

The impact of a pathogen on the fitness and behaviour of its natural host depends upon the host–parasite relationship in a given set of environmental conditions. Here, we experimentally investigated the effects ofBorrelia afzelii,one of the aetiological agents of Lyme disease in humans, on the fitness of its natural rodent host, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), in semi-natural conditions with two contrasting host population densities. Our results show thatB. afzeliican modify the reproductive success and spacing behaviour of its rodent host, whereas host survival was not affected. Infection impaired the breeding probability of large bank voles. Reproduction was hastened in infected females…

cayol_texte_tables_figures_ESM from Borrelia afzelii alters reproductive success in a rodent host

Supplementary material from "Borrelia afzelii alters reproductive success in a rodent host". Detailed material and methods, supplementary tables, figures and results.

Research data of article: "Borrelia afzelii alters reproductive success in a rodent host"