A study by researchers in Edinburgh reveals that when the food supply of water fleas is increased, the spread of infection among the water fleas also increases. The purpose of the research was to better determine how such factors as food supply do or don't affect the transmission of diseases.

When the parasite-infected water fleas were better fed, some of them became highly contagious in comparison to when their food supply was limited by researchers.

Scientists such as Dr. Pedro Vale of the School of Biological Sciences feel that if they can better understand how specific factors can alter the spread of disease, they can better understand the totality of the disease realm in general, and be better equipped to eradicate more ailments.

Researchers specifically hope such studies will help in the fight against epidemics — diseases affecting larger populations, says Science Daily.

Published in Biology Letters, the study was supported by France's Wellcome Trust and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.

The reason the well-fed water fleas were more infectious than others, the researchers believe, is because their longer survival rate allowed for the parasites in the water to multiply more, too. With a longer growth time for the bacteria in the guts of the water fleas, there was more chance of the spread of infection.

"We know that contact between individuals is important; but now we know that, for some animals at least, nutrition may also play an important role in the spread of disease," said Vale.

Water fleas are so named because of their often blood-red color. In truth, they are filter feeders/crustaceans whose impressive body armor and adaptability under various circumstances make them an ideal specimen for such experiments.

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