Gerardo Fracasso, Robert Poulin, Barbara Tschirren
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Absract: A vast body of literature has investigated the direct and indirect effects of parasites on hosts. While the key role of among-individual variation of host traits has long been acknowledged, individual parasite variation has mostly been overlooked due to the difficulties in studying individual parasites. This has hampered advances in our understanding of fundamental parasite biology as well as progress in the development of novel control strategies. Here, we show how recent technological and methodological innovations, coupled with an improved theoretical understanding, allow for a paradigm shift towards individual-based approaches in parasite-related research and highlight potential breakthroughs across fields. We suggest that ectoparasites-due to their life history as well as medical and veterinary importance-are ideal model systems for the study of individual parasite variation.
期刊介绍：
Parasites & Vectors is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal dealing with the biology of parasites, parasitic diseases, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Manuscripts published in this journal will be available to all worldwide, with no barriers to access, immediately following acceptance. However, authors retain the copyright of their material and may use it, or distribute it, as they wish.
Manuscripts on all aspects of the basic and applied biology of parasites, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens will be considered. In addition to the traditional and well-established areas of science in these fields, we also aim to provide a vehicle for publication of the rapidly developing resources and technology in parasite, intermediate host and vector genomics and their impacts on biological research. We are able to publish large datasets and extensive results, frequently associated with genomic and post-genomic technologies, which are not readily accommodated in traditional journals. Manuscripts addressing broader issues, for example economics, social sciences and global climate change in relation to parasites, vectors and disease control, are also welcomed.
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