The effect of host density on the establishment and fecundity of Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
The effect of mouse population density on the establishment, survival and fecundity of single cohorts of Heligmosomoides polygyrus was investigated. No significant relationship was found between host population density and the worm burden at post mortem. But, lower host population densities were associated with higher parasite fecundities and with higher overall mean daily faecal output. The results might be explained by a decrease in male hormone secretion or digestive disturbances associated with lower ingesta in the higher host population densities. Effects resulting from changes in immunological responses might also exist.
D000818:Animals; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009348:Nematoda / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000469:parasitology*; D011156:Population Density; D013997:Time Factors