Interspecific antagonism and virulence in hosts exposed to two parasite species

J Invertebr Pathol. 2007 Sep;96(1):43-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2007.02.005. Epub 2007 Feb 22.

Abstract

Co-infection of host organisms by multiple parasite species has evolutionary consequences for all participants in the symbiosis. In this study, we co-exposed aquatic-snails (Biomphalaria glabrata) to two of their trematode parasites, Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma caproni. In co-exposed snails, E. caproni prevalence was 63% compared to only 23% for S. mansoni. Co-exposed E. caproni-infected snails exhibited reduced fecundity, higher mortality, and higher parasite reproduction (higher virulence) compared to hosts exposed to echinostomes alone. Conversely, co-exposed S. mansoni-infected snails released fewer parasites and produced greater numbers of eggs compared to hosts exposed to S. mansoni alone. These results suggest that co-exposure not only influences the establishment (presence or absence) of particular parasite species, but also impacts host life history, parasite reproduction, and the virulence of the interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomphalaria / parasitology*
  • Echinostoma / physiology
  • Echinostomiasis / epidemiology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / physiology*
  • Schistosoma mansoni / physiology
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / epidemiology*