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Within-host dynamics of an intestinal pathogen of bumble bees

M C Otterstatter1, J D Thomson

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3G5. michael.otterstatter@utoronto.ca

Parasitology
|September 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pathogen success requires host colonization. This study reveals Crithidia bombi dynamics within bumble bees, impacting bee behavior and potential transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Pathogen dynamics
  • Insect pathology

Background:

  • Pathogen success relies on transmission and within-host persistence.
  • Within-host pathogen dynamics are well-studied in humans but less so in non-human hosts.
  • Understanding non-human host pathogen dynamics is crucial for disease ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the within-host dynamics of the gut trypanosome Crithidia bombi in bumble bees (Bombus impatiens).
  • To characterize how C. bombi infection influences host physiology and behavior.
  • To assess the implications of altered host behavior for pathogen transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental infection of bumble bees with Crithidia bombi.
  • Monitoring of infection intensity and host immune response.
  • Observation of bee foraging behavior and infectiousness.

Main Results:

  • C. bombi infection exhibited features similar to vertebrate diseases, including rapid intensity increase, parasitaemia oscillations, and immune stimulation.
  • Within-host dynamics led to significant variation in bee infectiousness and foraging behavior.
  • Infection-induced changes in bee foraging behavior may affect C. bombi transmission rates.

Conclusions:

  • Crithidia bombi establishes dynamics within bumble bees that resemble vertebrate infections.
  • Within-host pathogen dynamics significantly alter host behavior, influencing transmission potential.
  • This study highlights the importance of considering within-host processes in insect-pathogen systems.

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