Understanding the Evolution of Infectious Diseases Through the Striped Mongoose

There is no need to reiterate the current context to justify the importance of understanding the dynamics that influence the transmission of pathogens. A better understanding of the factors that curb the spread of infectious diseases inevitably leads to more effective prediction and control of epidemics.

A study led by Professor Kathleen Alexander of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment examined the effect of the environment on the behavior of the striped mongoose, which in turn can affect the spread of infectious diseases.

Striped mongooses use scent marks left in the environment to communicate information to one another. Unfortunately, a new tuberculosis pathogen takes advantage of this communication channel to spread from one individual to another. Researchers have shown that the environment and terrain can influence the transmission of pathogens by affecting the animals’ vigilance toward potential competitors or predators, which in turn affects scent marking.

If mongooses are focused on predators, they remain on high alert and are therefore less likely to engage in marking or communication behaviors. Conversely, in more protected tourist areas, the mongooses’ vigilance is largely focused on other individuals that might move in and take advantage of the food. Communication and olfactory territorial marking increase, and with them, the transmission of the bacteria.

It is therefore important to understand the complex interactions between the environment and animal behavior in order to better predict the distribution of diseases, their transmission dynamics, and their potential for transmission to humans.