The clearance of hidden cestode infection triggered by an independent activation of host defense in a teleost fish.
Parasites often elude effective recognition or attack (or both) by the host immune system, for example, though a tegument that possesses nonimmunogenic features. However, a general activation of host defense due to independent stimuli may increase immune activity to a level where such disguises are no longer effective, resulting in the clearance of an infection. We experimentally infected three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) with the cestode Schistocephalus solidus. To independently foster a general immune response a few days later, we cut the tips of spines in some fish and sham-treated other fish. Cutting spines significantly reduced the prevalence of the infection. The injury evoked a physiological reaction that helped to clear a hidden parasite infection.
Wedekind
Claus
C
Institute for Cell, Animal and Population Biology, Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, Scotland. claus.wedekind@nat.unibe.ch
Little
Tom J
TJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002590:Cestode Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D023701:Smegmamorpha / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*