Photoperiodic regulation of reproduction is now an accepted fact. This team of authors from the fields of psychology and biology argue that a similar process can be found in relation to immune function response to seasonal stresses that may compromise vertebrate immunities, such as food shortages, low ambient temperatures, and lack of cover from predators. They review the evidence for seasonal cycles in disease prevalence for humans and other animals and argue that without an evolved seasonal bolstering of immune function, disease and death rates in the winter would be higher. They argue that seasonal change in immune function is caused by changes in the host, rather than changes in vectors or presence of pathogens. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Presents evidence that infection is seasonal, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function.
This volume presents evidence that infection is cyclical with the seasons, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function. The authors identify the mechanisms by which immune systems are bolstered to counteract seasonally-recurrent stressors, such as extreme temperature reductions and food shortages. Stress, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and human cancers are examined, and the role of hormones such as melatonin and glucocorticoids are considered. This is the first monograph to examine seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective.
