Duration and intensity of the heat waves alter the amount of parasites present in the guest and have effect on how infections spread.
The heat waves are climatic extremes that make news for the wake of malorious and early deaths that trigger in the most vulnerable. But their harmful effects on health do not stop there.
A study published on Plos Climate It analyzes how the difference between the standard average temperatures and excess heat peaks influences the distribution and pervasiveness of parasites. The result? Heat waves can alter the parasitic chargethat is, the amount of parasites present in a guest – even 13 times. Strongly influencing the spread of infections.
Beyond the global warming. Waves of heat and parasites
Many research has already analyzed the effect of global warming on the spread of zoonosis, that is, the diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by animals to humans. The effect of sudden heat waves is less known, but they are increasing in frequency and intensity.
A group of scientists from the Trinity College in Dublin studied in the laboratory as an animal model of parasitosis behaved in the presence of simulated heat waves of different durations and intensity. Water fleas (Daphnia Magna) Infested with the pathogen Collyle Ordospora (an unwelcome guest of their intestine) have been subjected to heat waves that occurred at different times – both for the initial average temperature and for phase of the host of the guest by the pathogen.
The researchers were able to observe that the “basic” temperature conditions interact with the abnormal peak of temperature in a complex way, in turn influencing the susceptibility of the guest to the parasite. For example, because they alter his behaviors, or the response of his immune system.
Heat waves: an unexpected role in the spread of diseases
Compared to other types of climatic extremes, such as cold waves, heat waves can alter the parasitic charge, i.e. the amount of parasites present inside the guest, up to 13 times, favoring the spread of infections.
The study underlines the need to a better understanding of how the heat waves Specifically (slide from more general climate change) alter the dynamics of diffusion of diseases. And not only of parasitosis: the authors of the research recall that other studies have suggested that 70% of Covid cases in the summer of 2022 could have been avoided, if that period had not been characterized by heat waves.
