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Ectoparasites enhance survival by suppressing host exploration and limiting dispersal

Author

Listed:
  • Pengbo Liu

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Dongsheng Ren

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Guichang Li

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Xiaoming Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Luca Presotto

    (University of Milano-Bicocca
    University of Milano-Bicocca)

  • Wei Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ning Zhao

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Dongmei Li

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Min Chen

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Jun Wang

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Xiaobo Liu

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Chunchun Zhao

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Liang Lu

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Qiyong Liu

    (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Abstract

Parasites enhance their fitness by manipulating host dispersal. However, the strategies used by ectoparasites to influence host movement and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that ectoparasites alter metabolic activity in specific brain regions of mice, with evidence pointing to a potential role for microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex. This activation appears to contribute to synaptic changes and altered neuronal differentiation, particularly in GABAergic neurons. Consequently, exploratory behavior decreases—an effect likely mediated through the skin–brain axis. In both indoor and field experiments with striped hamsters, ectoparasites reduce host exploration and modify their dispersal patterns. This behavioral shift ultimately restricts the host’s distribution, enabling parasites to avoid environmental pressures. Our findings reveal that ectoparasites limit host dispersal to improve their own fitness, offering key insights for parasite control strategies that promote health and preserve ecological stability within the One Health framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Pengbo Liu & Dongsheng Ren & Guichang Li & Xiaoming Xu & Luca Presotto & Wei Liu & Ning Zhao & Dongmei Li & Min Chen & Jun Wang & Xiaobo Liu & Chunchun Zhao & Liang Lu & Qiyong Liu, 2025. "Ectoparasites enhance survival by suppressing host exploration and limiting dispersal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59601-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59601-9
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