Some pathogens have evolved the ability to manipulate host behaviour, by interfering with the host’s decision making and control mechanisms. One reason for pathogens manipulating host behaviour is to complete their lifecycle because some require a number of hosts to complete each life stage. The intermediate host carries the pathogen and is responsible for infecting the definitive host, in which the pathogen is able to complete its life cycle. Furthermore, pathogens manipulate host behaviour so they can successfully increase their transmission rate. This can be achieved through increasing host predation risks, altering the host’s preference for habitat selection and increasing parasite survival.
Pathogens can directly manipulate host behaviour
Pathogens can directly manipulate host behaviour