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Interactions between ecto- and endoparasites in trout Salmo trutta
A H Larsen1, J Bresciani, K Buchmann
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Stigbøjlen 4, DK-1870 Frederikberg C., Denmark.
Veterinary Parasitology
|December 26, 2001
Summary
Live anisakid worms (Anisakis sp.) significantly reduced ectoparasite (Gyrodactylus derjavini) infections in trout fry. This suggests a stimulated fish immune response to endoparasites negatively impacts ectoparasites.
Area of Science:
- Ichthyology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fish are susceptible to various endoparasites and ectoparasites.
- Interactions between different parasite species within a host can influence infection dynamics.
- The host immune system plays a crucial role in controlling parasite loads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of endoparasitic Anisakis sp. infection on ectoparasitic Gyrodactylus derjavini loads in trout fry.
- To explore the role of the host immune response in mediating parasite-parasite interactions.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of trout fry with Anisakis sp. and/or Gyrodactylus derjavini.
- Monitoring of G. derjavini infection levels over three weeks.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine worm colonization by host immune cells.
Main Results:
- Trout infected with live Anisakis sp. showed significantly lower G. derjavini infection levels compared to control groups.
- SEM revealed extensive colonization of Anisakis worms by host macrophages.
- Anisakis infection appeared to modulate the host's immune response, affecting skin parasite loads.
Conclusions:
- Live Anisakis sp. infection primes the trout immune system, leading to a reduced susceptibility to G. derjavini.
- Endoparasite-induced immune activation can have cascading effects on ectoparasite burdens in fish.
- This study highlights complex host-parasite interactions and immune modulation in fish.