Host manipulation by parasites in the world of dead-end predators: adaptation to enhance transmission?

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
O SeppäläD P Benesh

Abstract

Trophically transmitted parasites often alter their intermediate host's phenotype, thereby predisposing the hosts to increased predation. This is generally considered a parasite strategy evolved to enhance transmission to the next hosts. However, the adaptive value of host manipulation is not clear as it may be associated with costs, such as increased susceptibility to predators that are unsuitable next hosts for the parasites. We examined the ratio between the benefits and costs of host manipulation for transmission success of Acanthocephalus lucii (Acanthocephala), a parasite that alters the hiding behaviour and pigmentation of its isopod hosts. We experimentally compared the susceptibility of infected and uninfected isopods to predation by perch (Perca fluvialis; definitive host of the parasite) and dragonfly larvae (dead end). We found that the parasite predisposed the isopods to predation by both predators. However, the increased predation vulnerability of the infected isopods was higher towards perch. This suggests that, despite the costs due to non-host predation, host manipulation may still be advantageous for the parasite.

References

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Citations

Jan 14, 2009·Die Naturwissenschaften·Vincent Médoc, Jean-Nicolas Beisel
Jun 24, 2011·Biology Letters·Fanny MaureFrédéric Thomas
Feb 3, 2016·International Journal for Parasitology. Parasites and Wildlife·Sophie LabaudeFrank Cézilly
Apr 16, 2010·Trends in Parasitology·Frank CézillyMarie-Jeanne Perrot-Minnot
Aug 12, 2016·BioEssays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology·Nina Hafer
Jan 27, 2017·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Kelly L WeinersmithScott P Egan
Nov 5, 2019·Parasitology·Olwyn C FriesenClément Lagrue
Apr 29, 2020·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Marion FayardMarie-Jeanne Perrot-Minnot
Apr 10, 2019·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Nina Hafer-Hahmann

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