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Hyperparasitism and the evolution of parasite virulence
Jason Wood1, Ben Ashby1,2,3
1Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|October 1, 2023
Summary
Hyperparasites can significantly alter parasite evolution, sometimes leading to increased virulence and diversification. Their use in biocontrol requires careful consideration due to unpredictable eco-evolutionary effects.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hyperparasites, organisms that infect other parasites, are widespread and influence numerous host-parasite systems.
- Hyperparasitism impacts the ecology and evolution of parasites, with potential applications in biocontrol, such as combating antimicrobial resistance.
- The eco-evolutionary consequences of hyperparasitism remain under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how hyperparasites influence the evolution of parasite virulence.
- To determine the impact of hyperparasitism on host populations.
- To explore the conditions under which hyperparasites select for increased or decreased parasite virulence.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model incorporating a host-parasite-hyperparasite interaction.
- Analysis of how hyperparasite characteristics affect parasite virulence and transmission dynamics.
- Examination of the potential for hysteresis and diversification in parasite virulence.
Main Results:
- Hyperparasite introduction can select for both higher and lower parasite virulence, altering the virulence experienced by the host population.
- Variation in hyperparasite effects on virulence, transmission, and cotransmission can cause hysteresis, leading to abrupt shifts in parasite virulence.
- Hyperparasites can promote diversification, resulting in the coexistence of high and low virulence parasite strains.
Conclusions:
- Hyperparasites exert substantial influence on the evolutionary trajectory of parasite virulence.
- The application of hyperparasites in biocontrol strategies necessitates caution due to their complex and potentially unpredictable eco-evolutionary impacts.
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