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Does host immunity influence helminth egg hatchability in the environment?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2014

K.A. Lambert ,
A.K. Pathak  and
I.M. Cattadori
K.A. Lambert
Affiliation:
Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkPA16802, USA
A.K. Pathak
Affiliation:
Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkPA16802, USA
I.M. Cattadori*
Affiliation:
Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkPA16802, USA
*
* E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Transmission success for helminths with free-living stages depends on the ability of eggs and larvae to develop and survive once in the environment. While environmental conditions are often suggested to influence egg phenology and hatching rate, immunity against parasite eggs might also play a role. We examined this hypothesis using the gastrointestinal helminths Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and Graphidium strigosum, two common infections of the European rabbit. Changes in egg hatching rate and volume were examined in relation to specific antibodies in the serum and bound to eggshells, using eggs shed in host faeces over a 15-week period. Hatching rate was consistently higher for T. retortaeformis than G. strigosum and no changes were observed between weeks. Egg volume increased for G. strigosum but decreased for T. retortaeformis. We did find evidence of egg-specific antibody responses and fewer antibodies were bound to eggs of T. retortaeformis compared to G. strigosum. Little to no association was found between antibodies and hatchability, or volume, for both helminths. We suggest that host antibodies play a relatively minor role in the egg hatching rate of these gastrointestinal helminths.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 89 , Issue 4 , July 2015 , pp. 446 - 452
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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