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Updated: May 22, 2026
13:55
Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
Parasitized mates increase infection risk for partners
Jesus Martinez-Padilla1, Pablo Vergara, François Mougeot
1Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain. j.mart@mncn.csic.es
The American Naturalist
|May 24, 2012
Summary
Pairing with a sick mate increases your parasite load, especially for male red grouse. This study reveals the overlooked costs of indirect parasite transmission in sexual selection.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Sexual selection often emphasizes genetic benefits, overlooking costs like increased parasite load from mates.
- Indirectly transmitted parasites represent a significant, yet understudied, cost of mate choice.
- Parasite transmission dynamics can influence mate selection and reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fitness costs associated with mating with a parasitized partner in wild red grouse.
- To determine if indirectly transmitted parasites impose a cost on individuals through their mates.
- To explore the role of mate parasite load in sexual selection.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of nematode parasite (Trichostrongylus tenuis) abundance in paired wild red grouse.
- Parasite purging in males, females, or both members of a pair before the breeding season.
- Monitoring individual parasite uptake and abundance throughout the breeding period.
Main Results:
- Individuals exhibited higher parasite abundance when their mates were not initially treated.
- The cost of parasite transmission from a mate was more pronounced in male red grouse.
- Initial parasite levels within pairs were correlated, suggesting potential for transmission.
Conclusions:
- Mates can serve as a significant source of parasite infection, imposing fitness costs on individuals.
- The costs of parasite transmission via mates may have substantial implications for sexual selection dynamics.
- Understanding indirect parasite transmission is crucial for a comprehensive view of mate choice and fitness.
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