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Published on: April 28, 2019
Differential resource allocation in deer mice exposed to sin nombre virus
Erin M Lehmer1, Christine A Clay, Eric Wilson
1Department of Biology, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado, USA. lehmer_e@fortlewis.edu
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|August 25, 2007
Summary
Reproductive activity does not suppress deer mouse immunity; instead, Sin Nombre Virus (SNV) infection reduces immunocompetence. SNV impacts male and female immune responses differently, especially during reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Immunology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- The resource allocation hypothesis suggests reproduction compromises immunity.
- This hypothesis remains untested in wild mammals with endemic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the resource allocation hypothesis in wild deer mice exposed to Sin Nombre Virus (SNV).
- To investigate the relationship between reproductive status, SNV infection, and immunocompetence in deer mice.
Main Methods:
- Wild deer mice were trapped to assess reproductive state and SNV infection status.
- Immunocompetence was measured by the swelling response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection.
- Statistical analyses examined interactions between sex, reproductive condition, and SNV infection on immune response.
Main Results:
- Chronic SNV infection, not reproductive activity, was linked to reduced immunocompetence in deer mice.
- Males had higher SNV prevalence and lower swelling response compared to females.
- SNV modulated immune responses differently in males and females, particularly during reproduction.
Conclusions:
- The study refutes the resource allocation hypothesis in this context.
- Chronic SNV infection is a primary driver of reduced immunocompetence in deer mice.
- Sex-based differences in immune modulation by SNV may relate to parental investment strategies.
