Repeated measurements of blood parasite levels reveal limited ability for host recovery in the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara).

I investigated longitudinal measures of haemogregarine load in the host lizard Lacerta vivipara over 2 yr (1992-1993). Lizards with heavy parasite infections in 1992 were still suffering from heavy parasite infections in 1993. Such data show that lizards have limited ability to recover from high levels of haemogregarine infection. Modifications of host behavior and of life-history traits may represent a more effective and less costly response to haemogregarine infection in this species.