scholarly journals Genetic colour polymorphism is associated with avian malarial infections

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 20160839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Gangoso ◽  
Rafael Gutiérrez-López ◽  
Josué Martínez-de la Puente ◽  
Jordi Figuerola
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Pleiotropic Effects ◽  
Colour Polymorphism ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Differential Ability ◽  
Host Parasite

Individual genetic diversity is predicted to influence host–parasite interactions. Together with the genes directly associated with immune responses, variation in genes regulating vertebrate melanin-based pigmentation may play an important role in these interactions, mainly through the pleiotropic effects that affect colour-specific physiology, behaviour and immunity. Here, we test the hypothesis that the prevalence of avian malarial parasites differs between phenotypes in a raptor species in which the genetic basis of colour polymorphism and its pleiotropic effects over immune functions are known. We found that dark morphs had a higher prevalence of Plasmodium parasites than pale ones but detected no such association for Haemoproteus . This pattern may be associated with unequal exposure to vectors or, as suggested by our circumstantial evidence, to a differential ability to mount an immune response against blood parasites.

scholarly journals Melanin-based coloration and host–parasite interactions under global change

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1879) ◽  
pp. 20180285 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Côte ◽  
A. Boniface ◽  
S. Blanchet ◽  
A. P. Hendry ◽  
J. Gasparini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Change ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Colour Polymorphism ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
To Come ◽  
Colour Morphs ◽  
Host Parasite

The role of parasites in shaping melanin-based colour polymorphism, and the consequences of colour polymorphism for disease resistance, remain debated. Here we review recent evidence of the links between melanin-based coloration and the behavioural and immunological defences of vertebrates against their parasites. First we propose that (1) differences between colour morphs can result in variable exposure to parasites, either directly (certain colours might be more or less attractive to parasites) or indirectly (variations in behaviour and encounter probability). Once infected, we propose that (2) immune variation between differently coloured individuals might result in different abilities to cope with parasite infection. We then discuss (3) how these different abilities could translate into variable sexual and natural selection in environments varying in parasite pressure. Finally, we address (4) the potential role of parasites in the maintenance of melanin-based colour polymorphism, especially in the context of global change and multiple stressors in human-altered environments. Because global change will probably affect both coloration and the spread of parasitic diseases in the decades to come, future studies should take into account melanin-based coloration to better predict the evolutionary responses of animals to changing disease risk in human-altered environments.

scholarly journals The three-spined stickleback-Schistocephalus solidussystem: an experimental model for investigating host-parasite interactions in fish

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. BARBER ◽  
J. P. SCHARSACK
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Laboratory Model ◽  
Host Fish ◽  
Schistocephalus Solidus ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Host Behaviour

SUMMARYPlerocercoids of the pseudophyllidean cestodeSchistocephalus solidusinfect the three-spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatus, with important consequences for the biology of host fish. Techniques for culturing the parasitein vitroand generating infective stages that can be used to infect sticklebacks experimentally have been developed, and the system is increasingly used as a laboratory model for investigating aspects of host-parasite interactions. Recent experimental laboratory studies have focused on the immune responses of hosts to infection, the consequences of infection for the growth and reproductive development of host fish and the effects of infection on host behaviour. Here we introduce the host and the parasite, review the major findings of these recent experimental infection studies and identify further aspects of host parasite interactions that might be investigated using the system.

scholarly journals Possible Roles of Ectophosphatases in Host-Parasite Interactions

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta T. Gomes ◽  
Angela H. Lopes ◽  
José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Extracellular Milieu ◽  
Surface Molecules ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Hostile Environments ◽  
Host Parasite

The interaction and survival of pathogens in hostile environments and in confrontation with host immune responses are important mechanisms for the establishment of infection. Ectophosphatases are enzymes localized at the plasma membrane of cells, and their active sites face the external medium rather than the cytoplasm. Once activated, these enzymes are able to hydrolyze phosphorylated substrates in the extracellular milieu. Several studies demonstrated the presence of surface-located ecto-phosphatases in a vast number of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Little is known about the role of ecto-phosphatases in host-pathogen interactions. The present paper provides an overview of recent findings related to the virulence induced by these surface molecules in protozoa and fungi.

Do parasites matter? Assessing the fitness consequences of haemogregarine infection in snakes

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.P. Brown ◽  
C.M. Shilton ◽  
R. Shine
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Antipredator Behaviour ◽  
Host Fitness ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Tropical Australia ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Striking Contrast

Although much research in evolutionary ecology is based upon the premise that high levels of parasitism impair the host's functioning, the assumed link between parasitism and fitness has been assessed for relatively few kinds of animals. At our study site in tropical Australia, keelback snakes ( Tropidonophis mairii (Gray, 1841), Colubridae) are heavily infected with haemogregarine blood parasites: 90% of snakes that we tested carried the parasite, with the proportion of erythrocytes containing haemogregarines averaging 15% and ranging up to a remarkable 64%. Prevalence increased with snake body size, but intensity decreased with age. Unlike lizards studied previously, the snakes did not respond to haemogregarine infection by releasing immature erythrocytes into the circulation. In striking contrast to results from a recent study on a sympatric snake species, we did not find any empirical links between parasite numbers and several measures of host fitness (body condition, growth rate, feeding rate, antipredator behaviour, locomotor performance, reproductive status, reproductive output, and recapture rate). The association between this parasite and its host thus appears to be surprisingly benign, suggesting that host–parasite interactions sometimes may have only trivial consequences for host fitness in natural populations. Plausibly, host–parasite coevolution weakens or eliminates fitness costs of parasitism.

scholarly journals Description and Molecular Characterization of Two Species of Avian Blood Parasites, with Remarks on Circadian Rhythms of Avian Haematozoa Infections

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3490
Author(s):  
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas ◽  
Rasa Binkienė ◽  
Gediminas Valkiūnas
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Avian Host ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Avian Blood ◽  
Avian Blood Parasites ◽  
Host Parasite

Avian blood parasites are remarkably diverse and frequently occur in co-infections, which predominate in wildlife. This makes wildlife pathogen research challenging, particularly if they belong to closely related groups, resulting in diagnostic problems and poor knowledge about such infections as well as the patterns of their co-occurrence and interactions. This is particularly true due to the periodicity (circadian rhythms) of parasitemia, which means that different parasitemia and parasite stages might be found throughout the day. We analysed blood samples from a Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and a Song thrush (Turdus philomelos). This study aimed to describe a new avian Lankesterella species and molecularly characterize and redescribe Splendidofilaria mavis, a common avian filarioid nematode. Additionally, it was possible to investigate the circadian rhythms of the avian blood parasites belonging to Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma, which occurred in co-infection in the same avian host individuals. Different circadian rhythms were seen in different parasites, with Plasmodium sp. peaks occurring at midday, Leucocytozoon spp. peaks mainly during the evening and night, and Trypanosoma spp. and microfilariae peaks at midnight. No periodicity was seen in Haemoproteus and Lankesterella species infections. The time of parasitemia peaks most likely coincides with the time of vectors’ activity, and this should be beneficial for transmission. Knowledge about the circadian rhythms is needed for better understanding patterns in host-parasite interactions and disease transmission.

scholarly journals Proteomic identification of galectin-11 and 14 ligands fromHaemonchus contortus

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4510
Author(s):  
Dhanasekaran Sakthivel ◽  
Jaclyn Swan ◽  
Sarah Preston ◽  
MD Shakif-Azam ◽  
Pierre Faou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Adult Stage ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Affinity Column ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Zinc Metalloprotease ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Affinity Column Chromatography ◽  
Host Parasite

Haemonchus contortusis the most pathogenic nematode of small ruminants. Infection in sheep and goats results in anaemia that decreases animal productivity and can ultimately cause death. The involvement of ruminant-specific galectin-11 (LGALS-11) and galectin-14 (LGALS-14) has been postulated to play important roles in protective immune responses against parasitic infection; however, their ligands are unknown. In the current study, LGALS-11 and LGALS-14 ligands inH. contortuswere identified from larval (L4) and adult parasitic stages extracts using immobilised LGALS-11 and LGALS-14 affinity column chromatography and mass spectrometry. Both LGALS-11 and LGALS-14 bound more putative protein targets in the adult stage ofH. contortus(43 proteins) when compared to the larval stage (two proteins). Of the 43 proteins identified in the adult stage, 34 and 35 proteins were bound by LGALS-11 and LGALS-14, respectively, with 26 proteins binding to both galectins. Interestingly, hematophagous stage-specific sperm-coating protein and zinc metalloprotease (M13), which are known vaccine candidates, were identified as putative ligands of both LGALS-11 and LGALS-14. The identification of glycoproteins ofH. contortusby LGALS-11 and LGALS-14 provide new insights into host-parasite interactions and the potential for developing new interventions.

Mass spectrometry analysis of the excretory-secretory (E-S) products of the model cestode Hymenolepis diminut a reveals their immunogenic properties and the presence of new E-S proteins in cestodes

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Bień ◽  
Rusłan Sałamatin ◽  
Anna Sulima ◽  
Kirsi Savijoki ◽  
David Bruce Conn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Immunogenic Properties ◽  
S Proteins

Abstractis an important model species in studies of therapeutics, biochemical processes, immune responses and other aspects of cestodiasis. The parasite produces numerous excretory-secretory (E-S) proteins and a glycocalyx covering its body. Our study focused on the mass spectrometry analysis of the E-S material with an objective to determine if E-S contains any new proteins, in particular those that can be identified as: antigens, vaccine candidates and drug targets. These proteins might engage directly in host-parasite interactions. Adult parasites collected from experimentally infected rats were cultured

Glycans in the roles of parasitological diagnosis and host–parasite interplay

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (10) ◽  
pp. 1217-1232
Author(s):  
Carolina De Marco Veríssimo ◽  
Carlos Graeff-Teixeira ◽  
Malcolm K. Jones ◽  
Alessandra L. Morassutti
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Complex Molecules ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Parasitological Diagnosis ◽  
Parasite Survival ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Secretory Products ◽  
Host Parasite

AbstractThe investigation of the glycan repertoire of several organisms has revealed a wide variation in terms of structures and abundance of glycan moieties. Among the parasites, it is possible to observe different sets of glycoconjugates across taxa and developmental stages within a species. The presence of distinct glycoconjugates throughout the life cycle of a parasite could relate to the ability of that organism to adapt and survive in different hosts and environments. Carbohydrates on the surface, and in excretory-secretory products of parasites, play essential roles in host–parasite interactions. Carbohydrate portions of complex molecules of parasites stimulate and modulate host immune responses, mainly through interactions with specific receptors on the surface of dendritic cells, leading to the generation of a pattern of response that may benefit parasite survival. Available data reviewed here also show the frequent aspect of parasite immunomodulation of mammalian responses through specific glycan interactions, which ultimately makes these molecules promising in the fields of diagnostics and vaccinology.

scholarly journals Host–parasite interactions: resist or tolerate but never stop running

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-722
Author(s):  
Jay D. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
European Science Foundation ◽  
Immune Systems ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
European Science ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

A conference exploring ‘The impact of the environment on innate immunity: the threat of diseases’ was held on 4–9 May 2009 in Obergurgl, Austria, thanks to the support from the European Science Foundation, Innsbruck University and the Austrian Science Foundation. The goals of the conference were to explore how the outcomes of host–parasite interactions depend on variation across individuals, their parasites and the environment in which they both find themselves. Central themes were the inherent costs of mounting an immune response, the ability of some organisms to pre-empt infection by ‘priming’ their immune systems, the fact that parasites learn to evade immune responses over time and the use of theory to predict when diseases will get out of hand. Many of the systems presented had clear impacts on human health, agriculture or the maintenance of complex ecosystems. There was common ground throughout in developing methodologies and embracing what one of the organizers termed the ‘interactome’ between hosts and those which would exploit them.

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