Experimental evolution of parasites.
Serial passage experiments are a form of experimental evolution that is frequently used in applied sciences; for example, in vaccine development. During these experiments, molecular and phenotypic evolution can be monitored in real time, providing insights into the causes and consequences of parasite evolution. Within-host competition generally drives an increase in a parasite's virulence in a new host, whereas the parasite becomes avirulent to its former host, indicating a trade-off between parasite fitnesses on different hosts. Understanding why parasite virulence seldom escalates similarly in natural populations could help us to manage virulence and deal with emerging diseases.
Ebert
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Universität Basel, Zoologisches Institut, Rheinsprung 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland. ebert@ubaclu.unibas.ch
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D009154:Mutation; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D012692:Serial Passage; D014774:Virulence; D014780:Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*