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Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity 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...
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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...
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Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
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Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria
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Virulence is context-dependent in a vertically transmitted aquatic host-microparasite system.

Julie A Ryan1, Steven L Kohler

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5410, USA. julie.ryan@wmich.edu

International Journal for Parasitology
|August 12, 2010
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Microsporidian infections in Gammarus pseudolimnaeus show context-dependent effects on host fitness, with some infections positively impacting female reproduction, suggesting primarily vertical transmission and feminization.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Host-symbiont interactions can yield variable outcomes (positive, neutral, negative) contingent on biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Parasites can exhibit beneficial effects on hosts under specific circumstances, challenging traditional definitions.
  • Infection impacts on host fitness are influenced by host vigor, transmission routes, and environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To infer transmission mechanisms (horizontal, vertical, or mixed) of microsporidian infections in Gammarus pseudolimnaeus populations.
  • To determine if infection intensity, rather than just presence/absence, affects host fitness.
  • To investigate variations in parasite effects on host fitness across isolated populations.

Main Methods:

  • Monitoring of sublethal microsporidian infections in Gammarus pseudolimnaeus populations across four streams.
  • Utilizing PCR and DNA sequencing to identify microsporidian species (Dictyocoela sp. and Microsporidium sp.).
  • Analyzing infection prevalence, intensity, and effects on host fitness metrics (fecundity, reproductive bouts) in relation to host sex and environmental factors.

Main Results:

  • Two microsporidian species, Dictyocoela sp. and Microsporidium sp., were identified, with Dictyocoela sp. being highly prevalent.
  • Infection prevalence was significantly higher in females (37-85%) than males (∼5%).
  • Female fitness showed context-dependent effects: positive associations with fecundity or reproductive bouts in two streams, negative effects in one, and no effect in another. Intermediate infection intensity sometimes correlated with higher fecundity.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence in females, coupled with variable fitness effects (including positive ones), suggests primarily vertically transmitted, feminizing microsporidia.
  • Microsporidian impacts on Gammarus pseudolimnaeus fitness are context-dependent, varying with host sex and local environmental conditions.
  • Findings highlight the complexity of host-parasite dynamics and the potential for parasites to influence host reproduction and sex ratios.