Behavioral ecology of primate-parasite interactions

Brandi T Wren, Purdue University

Abstract

It has long been asserted that social grooming has two major functions in primate society: removing parasites and maintaining social bonds. While there are plenty of data to support the idea that grooming helps to form and maintain social bonds among individuals, very little data exist to support that it removes parasites. Further, researchers have typically focused solely on parasites that live on the outside of the body (ectoparasites), to the exclusion of other parasitic microorganisms that have the potential to cause poor health or even death. I used parasitological and behavioral data from vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus aethiops) at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa, to examine links between infection status with parasites and grooming behaviors. I focused on gastrointestinal parasites, and examined whether social grooming facilitates or inhibits transmission of these parasites. From June 2009 – July 2010, I collected 511 hours of behavioral data and 278 fecal samples from recognized individual vervets. I conducted focal follows on 55 individuals from three study groups. I used continuous recording to obtain data on amount of time spent grooming others, time spent being groomed by others, number of grooming partners, and amount of time spent in other direct social contact. Univariate analysis revealed that number of grooming partners was associated with infection status for hookworm. Those individuals that were infected with hookworm had significantly more grooming partners than did those individuals that were not infected. Multivariate analysis indicated that having more grooming partners makes individuals more likely to be infected with Oesophagostomum sp. Multivariate analysis also suggested that those individuals who spend more time self-grooming are more likely to be infected with hookworm. These data provide no indication that grooming inhibits transmission of gastrointestinal parasites. Instead, they lend more support to the assertion that grooming facilitates the exchange of at least some species of gastrointestinal parasites. Recent studies have revealed that social contact and touch provide other benefits not related to removal of parasites, including enhanced overall health and increased reproductive fitness. Even if social grooming provides a way for individuals to reduce the numbers of ectoparasites on the body, it still may facilitate transmission of other types of parasites, some of which may be more virulent or fatal than diseases transmitted by ectoparasites.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Remis, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Physical anthropology|Behavioral Sciences|Parasitology

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