Biology

Invasive Burmese pythons alter host use and virus infection in the vector of a zoonotic virus

N. D. Burkett-cadena, E. M. Blosser, et al.

Discover how the invasive Burmese python is disrupting the balance of ecosystems in southern Florida by increasing the prevalence of the Everglades virus in mosquitoes. This research by Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena and team reveals the intricate connections between mammal diversity and zoonotic pathogens that could potentially elevate human transmission risks.

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Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

The introduced Burmese python (*Python bivittatus*) is eliminating large and medium-sized mammals in southern Florida, impacting the ecology of zoonotic pathogens. This study investigated the impact of the python on Everglades virus (EEVV), a zoonotic pathogen circulating in a mosquito-rodent cycle. Results show that decreased diversity of non-rodent mammals (dilution hosts) is associated with increased blood meals on cotton rats (amplifying hosts), leading to higher EEVV infection in mosquito vectors. The Burmese python's impact on mammal diversity indirectly increases EEVV infection prevalence in mosquitoes, potentially elevating human transmission risk. This highlights the need for conserving biodiversity and natural communities.

Publisher

Communications Biology

Published On

Oct 28, 2021

Authors

Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Erik M. Blosser, Anne A. Loggins, Monica C. Valente, Maureen T. Long, Lindsay P. Campbell, Lawrence E. Reeves, Irka Bargielowski, Robert A. McCleery

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