Kelly, A., Hatcher, M.J. and Dunn, A.M. (2003) The impact of a vertically transmitted microsporidian, Nosema granulosis on the fitness of its Gammarus duebeni host under stressful environmental conditions. Parasitology, 126 (2). pp. 119-124. ISSN 1469-8161
Abstract
Although purely vertically transmitted parasites are predicted to cause low pathogenicity in their hosts, the effects of such parasites on host fitness under stressful environmental conditions have not previously been assessed. Here, we investigate the effects of Nosema granulosis, a vertically transmitted, microsporidian parasite of the brackish water amphipod Gammarus duebeni, on host growth and survival under conditions of host–host competition and limited food. The parasite had no effect on host survival, but caused a reduction in juvenile growth. Stressful environmental conditions also led to a reduction in G. duebeni growth. However, we found no evidence to support the prediction that parasitized hosts would suffer a greater reduction in fitness than uninfected hosts under adverse environmental conditions. We interpret our results in the context of selection for successful vertical parasite transmission.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | Copyright © 2003 Cambridge University Press. |
Keywords: | vertical transmission, microsporidia, virulence, Nosema granulosis, Gammarus duebeni |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Repository Officer |
Date Deposited: | 14 Mar 2006 |
Last Modified: | 26 Oct 2016 03:38 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S003118200200269X |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1017/S003118200200269X |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:1014 |