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Evidence for post-cyclic transmission in the life-history of Neoechinorhynchus rutili (Acanthocephala)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

Olivia L. Lassiere
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland
D. W. T. Crompton
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland

Summary

Field observations at one site on brown trout (Salmo trutta) and three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) concurrently infected with mature Neoechinorhynchus rutili, together with the knowledge that large trout can be piscivorous in habit led to the proposition that the post-cyclic transmission of N. rutili may occur between these fish species. This route of transmission has been suggested for a number of acanthocephalan species. A laboratory experiement was conducted and it was demonstrated that uninfected rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) can acquire a N. rutili infection as a result of feeding on sticklebacks already carrying established worms in their intestines. This finding may help to explain how N. rutili is found in a wide range of fish definitive hosts throughout the northern holarctic region. More generally this example provides further evidence of the flexibility within acanthocephalan life-history patterns.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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