Interspecific antagonism and virulence in hosts exposed to two parasite species.
Co-infection of host organisms by multiple parasite species has evolutionary consequences for all participants in the symbiosis. In this study, we co-exposed aquatic-snails (Biomphalaria glabrata) to two of their trematode parasites, Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma caproni. In co-exposed snails, E. caproni prevalence was 63% compared to only 23% for S. mansoni. Co-exposed E. caproni-infected snails exhibited reduced fecundity, higher mortality, and higher parasite reproduction (higher virulence) compared to hosts exposed to echinostomes alone. Conversely, co-exposed S. mansoni-infected snails released fewer parasites and produced greater numbers of eggs compared to hosts exposed to S. mansoni alone. These results suggest that co-exposure not only influences the establishment (presence or absence) of particular parasite species, but also impacts host life history, parasite reproduction, and the virulence of the interaction.
Sandland
Gregory J
GJ
Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, USA. gregorys@bilbo.bio.purdue.edu
Rodgers
Jenna K
JK
Minchella
Dennis J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria / Q000469:parasitology*; D004449:Echinostoma / Q000502:physiology; D004451:Echinostomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000502:physiology; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000453:epidemiology*