Between-year variation and spatial dynamics ofCryptosporidiumspp. andGiardiaspp. infections in naturally infected rodent populations

Abstract

SUMMARYPrevalence and abundance ofCryptosporidiumspp. andGiardiaspp. infections were studied over the 8-year period in 3 species of rodents in N.E. Poland (bank voleMyodes glareolus-1523; yellow-necked mouseApodemus flavicollis-638; common voleMicrotus arvalis-419). Prevalence was 53·8, 28·1 and 62·3% respectively forCryptosporidiumspp. and 58·3, 24·4 and 74·2% respectively forGiardiaspp. Prevalence and abundance of infection varied markedly across 8 years of the study with 1998 and 2002 being years of higher prevalence and abundance, following changes in the densities of host species. The distribution of intestinal protozoa in forest rodents did not vary in the 3 isolated sites during the 4-year study. In the case ofCryptosporidium, fewer older animals carried infection and infections of the oldest bank and common voles were relatively milder. In the case ofGiardiain yellow-necked mice, infections were more common in older age classes (2 and 3). The two species showed significant co-occurrence and in animals carrying both species there was a strong significant positive correlation between abundance of infection with each. These data are discussed in relation to the parasite genotypes identified in this region and in respect of the role of various ecological factors in shaping of intestinal protozoa communities.