scholarly journals High fidelity defines the temporal consistency of host-parasite interactions in a tropical coastal ecosystem

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. Lopes ◽  
F. V. Costa ◽  
R. A. Rodrigues ◽  
É. M. Braga ◽  
M. Pichorim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Coastal Ecosystem ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Temporal Consistency ◽  
Parasite Communities ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Host-parasite interactions represent a selective force that may reduce hosts’ lifespan, their reproductive success and survival. Environmental conditions can affect host-parasite communities, leading to distinct patterns of interactions with divergent ecological and evolutionary consequences for their persistence. Here, we tested whether climatic oscillation shapes the temporal dynamics of bird-haemosporidian associations, assessing the main mechanisms involved in the temporal dissimilarity of their interactions’ networks. For two years, we monthly sampled birds in a tropical coastal ecosystem to avian malaria molecular diagnosis. The studied networks exhibited high specialization, medium modularity, with low niche overlap among parasites lineages. Moreover, alpha and β-diversity of hosts, parasites and their interactions, as well as the structure of their networks were temporally consistent, i.e., stable under fluctuations in temperature or precipitation over seasons. The structure and temporal consistency of the studied antagonistic networks suggest a high fidelity between partners, which is likely relevant for their evolutionary persistence.

scholarly journals Evolutionary epidemiology of a zoonosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia I Corsi ◽  
Swapnil Tichkule ◽  
Anna Rosa Sannella ◽  
Paolo Vatta ◽  
Francesco Asnicar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleotide Diversity ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Population Admixture ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Geographic Origins ◽  
Evolutionary Epidemiology ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences ◽  
Host Parasite

Cryptosporidium parvum is a global zoonoses and a major cause of diarrhoea in humans and ruminants. The parasite's life cycle comprises an obligatory sexual phase, during which genetic exchanges can occur between previously isolated lineages. Here, we compare 32 whole genome sequences from human- and ruminant-derived parasite isolates collected across Europe, Egypt and China. We identify three strongly supported clusters that comprise a mix of isolates from different host species, geographic origins, and subtypes. We show that: (1) recombination occurs between ruminant isolates into human isolates; (2) these recombinant regions can be passed on to other human subtypes through gene flow and population admixture; (3) there have been multiple genetic exchanges, and all are likely recent; (4) putative virulence genes are significantly enriched within these genetic exchanges, and (5) this results in an increase in their nucleotide diversity. We carefully dissect the phylogenetic sequence of two genetic exchanges, illustrating the long-term evolutionary consequences of these events. Our results suggest that increased globalisation and close human-animal contacts increase the opportunity for genetic exchanges between previously isolated parasite lineages, resulting in spillover and spillback events. We discuss how this can provide a novel substrate for natural selection at genes involved in host-parasite interactions, thereby potentially altering the dynamic coevolutionary equilibrium in the Red Queens arms race.

Dynamics of anti-Borreliaantibodies in Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks suggest a maternal educational effect

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Gasparini ◽  
Karen D. McCoy ◽  
Vincent Staszewski ◽  
Claudy Haussy ◽  
Thierry Boulinier
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Maternal Transfer ◽  
Rissa Tridactyla ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi S.L ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Parasite Challenge

In the presence of parasites, mothers can transfer specific immunoglobulins to their offspring. These antibodies are typically thought to provide protection until the juvenile produces its own immune response, but they may also act to educate the developing immune system so as to prepare the individual for future parasite challenge. We examined this hypothesis in a natural host–parasite system involving the Black-legged Kittiwake ( Rissa tridactyla (L., 1758)), the seabird tick ( Ixodes ( Ceratixodes ) uriae White, 1852), and the Lyme disease bacterium ( Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (Johnston, 1984)). We compared the dynamics of anti-Borrelia antibodies in chicks between ages 5 and 20 days that received a large amount of maternal anti-Borrelia antibodies to those that did not. The results suggest that the presence of maternal antibodies against Borrelia increases the overall production of anti-Borrelia immunoglobulins by chicks and support the existence of an adaptive maternal effect. Experimental approaches are now called for to better appraise the ecological and evolutionary consequences of the maternal transfer of antibodies in host–parasite interactions.

Host parasite interactions and pathophysiology in Giardia infections

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 925-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Cotton ◽  
Jennifer K. Beatty ◽  
Andre G. Buret
Keyword(s):  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Host Parasite

scholarly journals Spatial expression pattern of serine proteases in the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni determined by fluorescence RNA in situ hybridization

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Ulrychová ◽  
Pavel Ostašov ◽  
Marta Chanová ◽  
Michael Mareš ◽  
Martin Horn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Background The blood flukes of genus Schistosoma are the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that infects more than 200 million people worldwide. Proteases of schistosomes are involved in critical steps of host–parasite interactions and are promising therapeutic targets. We recently identified and characterized a group of S1 family Schistosoma mansoni serine proteases, including SmSP1 to SmSP5. Expression levels of some SmSPs in S. mansoni are low, and by standard genome sequencing technologies they are marginally detectable at the method threshold levels. Here, we report their spatial gene expression patterns in adult S. mansoni by the high-sensitivity localization assay. Methodology Highly sensitive fluorescence in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) was modified and used for the localization of mRNAs encoding individual SmSP proteases (including low-expressed SmSPs) in tissues of adult worms. High sensitivity was obtained due to specifically prepared tissue and probes in combination with the employment of a signal amplification approach. The assay method was validated by detecting the expression patterns of a set of relevant reference genes including SmCB1, SmPOP, SmTSP-2, and Sm29 with localization formerly determined by other techniques. Results FISH analysis revealed interesting expression patterns of SmSPs distributed in multiple tissues of S. mansoni adults. The expression patterns of individual SmSPs were distinct but in part overlapping and were consistent with existing transcriptome sequencing data. The exception were genes with significantly low expression, which were also localized in tissues where they had not previously been detected by RNA sequencing methods. In general, SmSPs were found in various tissues including reproductive organs, parenchymal cells, esophagus, and the tegumental surface. Conclusions The FISH-based assay provided spatial information about the expression of five SmSPs in adult S. mansoni females and males. This highly sensitive method allowed visualization of low-abundantly expressed genes that are below the detection limits of standard in situ hybridization or by RNA sequencing. Thus, this technical approach turned out to be suitable for sensitive localization studies and may also be applicable for other trematodes. The results suggest that SmSPs may play roles in diverse processes of the parasite. Certain SmSPs expressed at the surface may be involved in host–parasite interactions. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Urogenital Schistosomiasis—History, Pathogenesis, and Bladder Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Lúcio Lara Santos ◽  
Júlio Santos ◽  
Maria João Gouveia ◽  
Carina Bernardo ◽  
Carlos Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Recent Outbreak ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Female Genital

Schistosomiasis is the most important helminthiasis worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. Most of the infections occurs in Africa, which about two thirds are caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The infection with S. haematobium is considered carcinogenic leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it is responsible for female genital schistosomiasis leading to infertility and higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Remarkably, a recent outbreak in Corsica (France) drew attention to its potential re-mergence in Southern Europe. Thus far, little is known related to host-parasite interactions that trigger carcinogenesis. However, recent studies have opened new avenues to understand mechanisms on how the parasite infection can lead cancer and other associated pathologies. Here, we present a historical perspective of schistosomiasis, and review the infection-associated pathologies and studies on host–parasite interactions that unveil tentative mechanisms underlying schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.

Network Analysis: Ten Years Shining Light on Host–Parasite Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-455
Author(s):  
Rogini Runghen ◽  
Robert Poulin ◽  
Clara Monlleó-Borrull ◽  
Cristina Llopis-Belenguer
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Host Parasite

scholarly journals High parasite diversity in a neglected host: larval trematodes of Bithynia tentaculata in Central Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Schwelm ◽  
O. Kudlai ◽  
N.J. Smit ◽  
C. Selbach ◽  
B. Sures
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Snail Host ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Curonian Lagoon ◽  
Parasite Communities ◽  
Bithynia Tentaculata ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Host Families ◽  
High Parasite

Abstract Bithynids snails are a widespread group of molluscs in European freshwater systems. However, not much information is available on trematode communities from molluscs of this family. Here, we investigate the trematode diversity of Bithynia tentaculata, based on molecular and morphological data. A total of 682 snails from the rivers Lippe and Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and 121 B. tentaculata from Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania were screened for infections with digeneans. In total, B. tentaculata showed a trematode prevalence of 12.9% and 14%, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses based on 55 novel sequences for 36 isolates demonstrated a high diversity of digeneans. Analyses of the molecular and morphological data revealed a species-rich trematode fauna, comprising 20 species, belonging to ten families. Interestingly, the larval trematode community of B. tentaculata shows little overlap with the well-studied trematode fauna of lymnaeids and planorbids, and some of the detected species (Echinochasmus beleocephalus and E. coaxatus) constitute first records for B. tentaculata in Central Europe. Our study revealed an abundant, diverse and distinct trematode fauna in B. tentaculata, which highlights the need for further research on this so far understudied host–parasite system. Therefore, we might currently be underestimating the ecological roles of several parasite communities of non-pulmonate snail host families in European fresh waters.

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