Abstract

The evolutionary ecology of many emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne zoonoses, is poorly understood. Here, we aim to develop a biological, process-based framework for vector-borne zoonoses, using Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans, as an example. We explore the fundamental biological processes that operate in this zoonosis and put forward hypotheses on how extrinsic cues and intrinsic dynamics shape B. burgdorferi s.l. populations. Additionally, we highlight possible epidemiological parallels between B. burgdorferi s.l. and other vector-borne zoonotic pathogens, including West Nile virus.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, New York 10595, USA.
3. Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, 13 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, Michigan, Michigan 48824, USA.
4. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA.
5. Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Foodborne, Waterborne and Zoonotic Infections Division, FMV, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe (Québec) J2S 7C6, Canada.

Correspondence to: Klaus Kurtenbach¹ Email: kk221@bath.ac.uk

Published online 7 August 2006

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