Dissertation Research: Linking Intra- and Inter-Host Parasite Population Dynamics to Natural Populations of Poecilia reticulata and Gyrodactylus turnbulli

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9972723 Wilson and GilchristDuke University Although the theoretical importance of parasites on host population dynamics has been well established, most models ignore the dynamics of a parasite infections within a host. The importance of parasite population dynamics within a host is generally not understood. This project builds on a basic model of within-host parasite population dynamics to evaluate different modes of parasite transmission. The very nature of most parasitic infections makes empirical ecological studies of host-parasite interactions difficult. This project links tests of these theoretical approaches with a carefully chosen empirical system. This overall approach will lead to an understanding of the role that within-host parasite population dynamics play in natural populations.