Local differences in immunocompetence reflect resistance of sticklebacks against the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum

Parasitology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. KALBE ◽  
J. KURTZ
Keyword(s):  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Hepatosomatic Index ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Parasite Abundance ◽  
Diplostomum Pseudospathaceum ◽  
Hybrid Fish ◽  
Eye Fluke ◽  
Lake Fish ◽  
River Fish

We investigated population differences in immunological adaptation of three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to one of their most abundant macroparasites, the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum. We compared infection success in lab-bred fish of 2 populations in northern Germany, from a lake, where eye flukes are prevalent, and a river, where these parasites do not occur. In order to discriminate between protection through innate and acquired immunity, we exposed fish either only once or repeatedly. Lake fish were significantly less susceptible than river sticklebacks already after a single exposure, indicating that in sympatric hosts innate immunity plays the major role in the defence against this helminth infection. In both habitat types, previous exposures only marginally decreased infection rates within 12 weeks. Lake fish showed higher immunocompentence by means of respiratory burst activity and spleen size, regardless of the infection status. Furthermore, they were in a better energy status than river fish, as indicated by a higher hepatosomatic index and haematocrit value. Interestingly, F1 hybrid fish of both populations ranged between the pure habitat types in parasite susceptibility as well as in immunological and condition parameters. Our results suggest that sticklebacks from lakes are better adapted to cope with higher parasite abundance in this habitat.

scholarly journals Do algae blooms dilute the risk of trematode infections in threespine sticklebacks?

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 991-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Budria ◽  
Ulrika Candolin
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Infected Fish ◽  
The Body ◽  
Filamentous Algae ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Diplostomum Pseudospathaceum ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Trematode Infections ◽  
Macro Algae

Abstract Human-induced growth of macro-algae is often assumed to increase trematode infections in fishes by increasing the abundance and condition of the parasite’s intermediate host – snails – as this can boost the release of trematode larvae, cercariae, from the intermediate hosts. However, macro-algae can also impose barriers to the transmission of cercariae and reduce infections. We investigated whether an increased growth of filamentous algae affects the transmission of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum cercariae to the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, a common fish in eutrophied shallow waters. We exposed sticklebacks to trematode cercariae in the absence and presence of artificial filamentous algae, and recorded effects on the proportion of sticklebacks infected and the number of encysted metacercariae per fish. No significant effect of artificial algae on cercariae transmission was detected. However, the body size and the sex of the sticklebacks were strongly correlated with the number of encysted metacercariae per infected fish, with females and larger individuals being more infected. We discuss different factors that could have caused the difference in parasite transmission, including sex-related differences in body size and behaviour of sticklebacks.

Condition factor and hepatosomatic index as estimates of energy status in male three-spined stickleback

1995 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 775-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Chellappa ◽  
F. A. Huntingford ◽  
R. H. C. Strang ◽  
R. Y. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Condition Factor ◽  
Hepatosomatic Index ◽  
Energy Status

scholarly journals Limited impacts of chronic eye fluke infection on the reproductive success of a fish host

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-346
Author(s):  
Veronika Nezhybová ◽  
Martin Reichard ◽  
Caroline Methling ◽  
Markéta Ondračková
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Fish Host ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Juvenile Mortality ◽  
Diplostomum Pseudospathaceum ◽  
Fluke Infection ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Eye Fluke

Abstract Parasitic infections may affect the reproductive success of the host either directly, through behavioural modification, or indirectly, by altering their reproductive investment in response to infection. We determined the effects of infection with the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum (Trematoda) on the reproductive traits of European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus, Cyprinidae), an intermediate fish host with a resource-based mating system. Male bitterling infected by Diplostomum exhibited a larger but less pronounced red eye spot (sexually selected signal) than control males, suggesting that infected males were less preferred by females. The frequency of female ovulation and number of offspring were comparable between the infected and the control group, although there was a 1–2 week delay in the peak of ovulation and offspring production in infected fish, which is known to coincide with higher juvenile mortality. Chronic eye fluke infection had minimal metabolic costs (measured as oxygen consumption) and, consistent with these results, reproductive activity did not differ between infected and control fish in an experimental test of intersexual selection. Overall, the impact of eye fluke infection on the reproduction of European bitterling was limited. We consider the potential effect of favourable conditions during experiments (abundant food, access to spawning substrate and lack of predators and co-infections) on experimental outcomes and recognize that the effects of chronic eye fluke infection in natural conditions might be more pronounced.

scholarly journals Growth, Food Consumption, and Energy Status of Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon Fed Natural or Artificial Diets

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary A. Meyer ◽  
Steven R. Chipps ◽  
Brian D.S. Graeb ◽  
Robert A. Klumb
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Hepatosomatic Index ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Pallid Sturgeon ◽  
High Lipid ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Recovery Program ◽  
High Lipid Diet

Abstract Stocking of hatchery-raised fish is an important part of the pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus recovery program. In the wild, juvenile pallid sturgeon consume primarily aquatic insects, although little is known about specific dietary needs. In hatchery settings, pallid sturgeon are fed commercial diets that are formulated for salmonids. To compare food consumption, growth, and energy status of pallid sturgeon fed artificial or natural diets, we conducted a laboratory study using 24 juvenile pallid sturgeon (initial fork length 153–236 mm). Pallid sturgeon were fed a daily ration of either commercial pellets (1 mm, slow sinking; 45% protein, 19% fat) or chironomid larvae for 5 wk. Natural-fed pallid sturgeon exhibited a greater specific growth rate (2.12% d−1) than pellet-fed fish (0.06% d−1). Similarly, relative condition was greater for natural-fed sturgeon (Kn = 1.11) than that observed for pellet-fed fish (Kn = 0.87). In contrast, the hepatosomatic index was significantly higher in pellet-fed fish (2.5%), indicating a high lipid diet compared with natural-fed sturgeon (1.4%). Given the importance of natural diets to fish digestion and growth, it is suggested that a more holistic approach be applied in the development of a practical diet for pallid sturgeon that incorporates attributes of natural prey.

scholarly journals Morphometric Response of Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns) to Lake Colonization in Chile

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
Margaret Mercer ◽  
Peter C. Searle ◽  
Roberto Cifuentes ◽  
Evelyn Habit ◽  
Mark C. Belk
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Water Flow Rate ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
Galaxias Maculatus ◽  
Ideal Study ◽  
Lake Systems ◽  
Shape Changes ◽  
Lake Fish ◽  
River Fish

Body and head shape in fish responds to environmental factors such as water flow rate, food sources, and niche availability. However, the way in which fish respond to these environmental factors varies. In Central Chile, multiple river and lake systems along the coast provide an ideal study site to investigate these types of shape changes. We use geometric morphometrics to characterize shape differences in Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns) between river and lake populations. Lake fish converge on a shape with a more fusiform body, narrower head, and larger eyes, while river fish have a more robust body, rounder head, and smaller eyes. These shape changes are consistent with a shift to zooplanktivorous foraging in lakes, as evidenced in other systems. Unlike some fish species that develop polymorphisms in body shape after colonization (e.g., benthic and limnetic forms), G. maculatus in lakes exhibit a monomorphic limnetic form.

scholarly journals Eye fluke-induced cataracts in natural fish populations: is there potential for host manipulation?

Parasitology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. SEPPÄLÄ ◽  
A. KARVONEN ◽  
E. T. VALTONEN
Keyword(s):  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Rutilus Rutilus ◽  
Fish Populations ◽  
Coregonus Lavaretus ◽  
Host Manipulation ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Common Strategy ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Bothnian Bay ◽  
Eye Fluke

SUMMARYManipulation of host phenotype (e.g. behaviour, appearance) is suggested to be a common strategy to enhance transmission in trophically transmitted parasites. However, in many systems, evidence of manipulation comes exclusively from laboratory studies and its occurrence in natural host populations is poorly understood. Here, we examined the potential for host manipulation by Diplostomum eye flukes indirectly by quantifying the physiological effects of parasites on fish. Earlier laboratory studies have shown that Diplostomum infection predisposes fish to predation by birds (definitive hosts of the parasites) by reducing fish vision through cataract formation. However, occurrence of cataracts and the subsequent potential for host manipulation in natural fish populations has remained poorly explored. We studied the occurrence of eye fluke-induced cataracts from 7 common fish species (Gymnocephalus cernuus, Rutilus rutilus, Leuciscus leuciscus, Alburnus alburnus, Osmerus eperlanus, Coregonus lavaretus and Gasterosteus aculeatus) from the Bothnian Bay in the Baltic Sea. We found that the parasite-induced cataracts were common in fish and they also reached high levels which are likely to predispose fish to predation. However, we observed such cataracts only in species with the highest parasite abundances, which suggests that only certain hosts may be strongly affected by the infection.

Freshwater mussels (Anodonta anatina) reduce transmission of a common fish trematode (eye fluke, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum)

Parasitology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 144 (14) ◽  
pp. 1971-1979 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. GOPKO ◽  
E. MIRONOVA ◽  
A. PASTERNAK ◽  
V. MIKHEEV ◽  
J. TASKINEN
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Mussel ◽  
Fish Farming ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Diplostomum Pseudospathaceum ◽  
The Common ◽  
Freshwater Bivalves ◽  
Eye Fluke ◽  
Different Doses

SUMMARYRecent results suggest that bivalves can play an important role in restraining the spread of various aquatic infections. However, the ability of mussels to remove free-living stages of macroparasites and reduce their transmission is still understudied, especially for freshwater ecosystems. We investigated the influence of the common freshwater mussel (Anodonta anatina) on the transmission of a trematode (eye fluke, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum), which frequently infects fish in farms and natural habitats. In our experiments, mussels caused a significant decrease (P < 0·001) in the abundance of trematode free-living stages, from 6520 to 1770 cercariae L−1 on average (about 4-fold in 2 h). Individual clearance rates of mussels were 0·6‒3·7 L per hour (mean 1·9). These tests were followed by experimental infections of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with different doses of D. pseudospathaceum cercariae in the presence or absence of mussels. Exposure of fish to cercariae in the presence of mussels significantly (P < 0·05) reduced the infection intensities in fish (by 30–40%) at all exposure doses. Our results indicate that freshwater bivalves can markedly reduce local cercariae densities and could be useful in mitigation of trematodoses harmful to fish farming.

scholarly journals Innate antipredator behavior can promote infection in fish even in the absence of predators

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 267-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor N Mikheev ◽  
Anna F Pasternak ◽  
Andrew Yu Morozov ◽  
Jouni Taskinen
Keyword(s):  
Antipredator Behavior ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Fish Farming ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Diplostomum Pseudospathaceum ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Microhabitat Choice ◽  
Commercial Species ◽  
Eye Fluke

Abstract Natural enemies—predators and parasites—largely shape the dynamics of ecosystems. It is known that antipredator and antiparasite defense can be mutually conflicting, however consequences of this trade-off for the regulation of infection burden in animals are still poorly understood. We hypothesize that even in the absence of cues from predators, innate antipredator behavior (“ghost of predation past”) interferes with defense against parasites and can enhance the infection risk. As a case study, we explore interactions between a commercial species, the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and its parasite, the trematode eye-fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum. Fish–parasite interactions were tested in compartmentalized tanks where shelters and parasites were presented in different combinations providing various conditions for microhabitat choice and territorial behavior. Shelters were attractive and contestable despite the absence of predators and presence of parasites. The individuals fighting for shelters acquired more than twice the number of cercariae as compared to those in infected shelter-free compartments. Most infected were subordinate fish with a higher ventilation rate. Fish possessing shelters were less vulnerable to parasites than fighting fish. Grouping reduced the infection load, although less efficiently than sheltering. Our data demonstrate that the innate antipredator behavior can undermine antiparasite tactics of the fish and result in higher infection rates. Using our empirical results, we construct a mathematical model which predicts that enriching the environment in fish farming will be beneficial only when a large number of shelters is provided. Using insufficient number of shelters will increase the parasite burden in the fish.

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