Effects of host sex, age and behaviour on co-infection patterns in a wild ungulate

Abstract

Recent zoonotic disease emergences reveal the importance of studying wildlife parasite communities. As wild hosts frequently harbour diverse parasite species, understanding the drivers of multiple infection patterns in free-ranging hosts is critical for elucidating the ecological and epidemiological dynamics of parasite communities. In this study, we analysed co-infection patterns in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) inhabiting a fragmented rural landscape in southwestern France. Using data from 130 GPS-tracked roe deer, we examined the influence of proximity to livestock, host activity levels, age, sex, and between-parasite interactions on the presence of 11 parasitic taxa. Hierarchical modelling of species communities (HMSC) revealed that proximity to livestock significantly increased the likelihood of infection with orofecally transmitted parasites (Toxoplasma gondii, gastrointestinal parasites). Sex and age were other key predictors, with males and juveniles exhibiting a higher frequency of parasite presence, likely influenced by hormonal and immune system differences. Activity levels showed distinct age-related effects, with higher activity levels being positively associated with increased parasite prevalence in yearlings, but not in adults. In contrast, parasite association patterns within individual hosts were weak, suggesting minimal interactions between parasite species. Our findings highlight the interplay between exposure and susceptibility in shaping co-infection patterns and underscore the value of hierarchical modelling approaches in multi-parasite systems. Key FindingsO_LIParasite communities, studied in 130 GPS monitored roe deer, revealed frequent co-infection. C_LIO_LIProximity to livestock increased the risk of infection by parasite taxa shared with domestic animals. C_LIO_LIFor several parasitic taxa, males and younger roe deer had a higher probability of infection. C_LIO_LIThe effect of host activity on parasite infection was dependent on roe deer age. C_LIO_LIOnly slight between-parasite interactions were detected within individual hosts. C_LI