Mind Control: How Parasites Manipulate Cognitive Functions in Their Insect Hosts

Frontiers in Psychology
Frederic LibersatStav Emanuel

Abstract

Neuro-parasitology is an emerging branch of science that deals with parasites that can control the nervous system of the host. It offers the possibility of discovering how one species (the parasite) modifies a particular neural network, and thus particular behaviors, of another species (the host). Such parasite-host interactions, developed over millions of years of evolution, provide unique tools by which one can determine how neuromodulation up-or-down regulates specific behaviors. In some of the most fascinating manipulations, the parasite taps into the host brain neuronal circuities to manipulate hosts cognitive functions. To name just a few examples, some worms induce crickets and other terrestrial insects to commit suicide in water, enabling the exit of the parasite into an aquatic environment favorable to its reproduction. In another example of behavioral manipulation, ants that consumed the secretions of a caterpillar containing dopamine are less likely to move away from the caterpillar and more likely to be aggressive. This benefits the caterpillar for without its ant bodyguards, it is more likely to be predated upon or attacked by parasitic insects that would lay eggs inside its body. Another example is the parasitic w...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 19, 2019·Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology·Hai-Zhen WangXin Liu
Jun 27, 2020·Insects·Maurizio Francesco Brivio, Maristella Mastore
Apr 11, 2019·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Rajbir KaurSusanne Foitzik
Oct 14, 2020·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Jean-François Doherty

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Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Discover the latest research on anthelmintics here.

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