Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:02
Visualizing Bacteria in Nematodes using Fluorescent Microscopy
Published on: October 19, 2012
Prerequisites for parasitism in rhabditid nematodes
Elizabeth M Warburton1, Derek A Zelmer
1Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas 66801, USA.
The Journal of Parasitology
|October 7, 2009
Summary
Rhabditid nematode dauer larvae survival in vertebrate hosts was tested. Invertebrate host invasiveness did not predict survival in frogs, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Nematology
- Parasitology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Rhabditid nematodes exhibit diverse life cycles, including dauer larva stages.
- Some nematodes associate with invertebrate hosts (phoresis) before potentially infecting vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of rhabditid nematode dauer larvae in a vertebrate host.
- To determine if phoretic association invasiveness with invertebrate hosts predicts vertebrate survival.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of 7 nematode species' dauer larvae under simulated digestive conditions.
- In vivo feeding trials with 3 selected species' dauer larvae to frogs.
- Recovery and survival assessment of larvae from frogs 72 hours postexposure.
Main Results:
- In vitro survival varied among species but did not correlate with phoretic invasiveness.
- All 3 tested species' dauer larvae survived passage through the frog digestive system.
- No significant differences in in vivo survivorship were observed between the 3 species.
Conclusions:
- The degree of invasiveness in phoretic associations with invertebrates does not predict rhabditid nematode dauer larvae survival in vertebrate hosts.
- Invasiveness or facultative parasitism in invertebrate hosts is not a necessary prerequisite for vertebrate parasitism in these nematodes.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Diversity of Protists I
Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
01:26Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the biosynthesis of the...
01:27Diversity of Protists II
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...