Land use and forest composition effects on the ecology of vector-borne and zoonotic disease.

摘要

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a threat to global public health and biodiversity. The most effective strategies for their control and prevention will arise from interdisciplinary research addressing the relationships between human, animal, and ecosystem health. This dissertation aims to understand the impact of land use and forest composition on the ecology of two diseases: Nipah virus encephalitis in Bangladesh and malaria in the Brazilian Amazon. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the disciplinary methods and assumptions used as well as background on the epidemiology of these two diseases.;Chapter 2 presents a landscape case-control study to identify the role of landscape composition and configuration on Nipah dynamics and the roosting ecology of the natural reservoir of Nipah virus, Pteropus giganteus (Indian flying fox). This study demonstrates that the degree of forest fragmentation, forest composition, and Pteropus roosting ecology may play a role in Nipah dynamics.;Chapter 3 assesses the roosting behavior and habitat selection of P. giganteus. Results show that P. giganteus show habitat selection preferences at the sub-forest level and at scales of several kilometers. Ecological niche model results predicted 2-17% of Bangladesh's land area is suitable roosting habitat. Nipah spillover villages were more likely to be located in areas predicted as highly suitable compared to non-outbreaks villages.;Chapter 4 assesses the impact of deforestation, roads, selective logging, and fire on malaria risk in the Brazilian Amazon. Previous research has shown that deforestation creates mosquito breeding sites, but the effect of other forest disturbances has not been assessed. This study shows that these disturbances are previously unrecognized risk factors for malaria and highlights the importance of monitoring sub-canopy forest disturbances and malaria surveillance at the sub-municipality scale.;The concluding chapter addresses the implications of this research and disease ecology studies more generally. Here I argue that research that addresses upstream risk factors such as the role of landscape on the ecology of disease reservoirs and vectors presents the greatest potential for effective population health interventions. I also address recommendations for future research and priorities for the prevention and control of EIDs, in particular, Nipah virus encephalitis and malaria.