Parasites and low temperatures.

Abstract

Low temperatures affect the rate of growth, development and metabolism of parasites and when temperatures fall below 0 degrees C may expose the parasite to the potentially lethal risk of freezing. Some parasites have mechanisms, such as diapause, which synchronise their life cycle with favourable seasons and the availability of hosts. Parasites of endothermic hosts are protected from low temperatures by the thermoregulatory abilities of their host. Free-living and off-host stages, however, may be exposed to subzero temperatures and both freezing-tolerant and freeze-avoiding strategies of cold hardiness are found. Parasites of ectothermic hosts may be exposed to subzero temperatures within their hosts. They can rely on the cold tolerance adaptations of their host or they may develop their own mechanisms. Exposure to low temperatures may occur within the carcass of the host and this may be of epidemiological significance if the parasite can be transmitted via the consumption of the carcass.