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Poulin R. Model worms: knowledge gains and risks associated with the use of model species in parasitological research. Parasitology 2023; 150:967-978. [PMID: 37853764 PMCID: PMC10941210 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Model parasite species, whose entire life cycle can be completed in the laboratory and maintained for multiple generations, have played a fundamental role in our understanding of host–parasite interactions. Yet, keeping parasites in laboratory conditions may expose them to unnatural evolutionary pressures, and using laboratory cultures for research is therefore not without limitations. Using 2 widely-used model helminth species, the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta and the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus, I illustrate the caution needed when interpreting experimental results on model species. I first review more than 1200 experimental studies published on these species in the past 4 decades, to determine which research areas they have contributed to. This is followed by an examination of the institutional laboratory cultures that have provided the parasites used in these studies. Some of these have persisted for decades and accounted for a substantial proportion of published studies, whereas others have been short-lived. Using information provided by the curators of active cultures, I summarize data on their origins and maintenance conditions. Finally, I discuss how laboratory cultures may have been subject to the influence of evolutionary genetic processes, such as founder effects, genetic drift and inbreeding. I also address the possibility that serial passage through laboratory hosts across multiple generations has exerted artificial selection on several parasite traits, resulting in genetic and phenotypic divergence among laboratory cultures, and between these cultures and natural parasite populations. I conclude with recommendations for the continued usage of laboratory helminth cultures aimed at maximizing their important contribution to parasitological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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2
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de Araújo PA, Maciel-Honda PO, de Oliveira Costa-Fernandes T, Dos Santos GG, Martins ML. Efficacy of chlorine, sodium chloride and trichlorfon baths against monogenean Dawestrema cycloancistrium parasite of pirarucu Arapaima gigas. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2023; 46:113-126. [PMID: 36334301 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of sodium chloride (SC) and trichlorfon (T) against Dawestrema cycloancistrium and its physiological effects on Arapaima gigas. The efficacy of chlorine (C) as a prophylactic disinfectant was also evaluated. In vitro test with 15 treatments were: SC 4, 8, 10, 12, 14 g/L, T0.1, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 mg/L, and C500, 1000, 3000, 6000 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to evaluate parasite damage. The in vivo test was as follows: control, 4 h short baths, once a day, for four consecutive days (SC12 g/L, T5 mg/L); 24 h long baths, for 2 days in 24 h intervals (SC10 g/L, T5 mg/L). In vitro exposure to SC12 and 14 g/L caused 100% mortality of monogeneans at 45 and 60 min, while at T3.2 and 1.6 mg/L 100% of monogeneans died at 30 and 60 min, respectively. In vitro exposure to C resulted in complete mortality after 2-5 min exposure. The SC and T LD50-96 h were 9.9 g/L and 9.73 mg/L, respectively. All in vivo treatments presented efficacy above or close to 90%, with low survival in the long baths. C, starting at 500 mg/L for 5 min, can be used as a disinfectant. Short baths with SC12 g/L and T5 mg/L are recommended for D. cycloancistrium infestations in Arapaima.
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3
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Paula JR, Repolho T, Grutter AS, Rosa R. Access to Cleaning Services Alters Fish Physiology Under Parasite Infection and Ocean Acidification. Front Physiol 2022; 13:859556. [PMID: 35755439 PMCID: PMC9213755 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.859556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleaning symbioses are key mutualistic interactions where cleaners remove ectoparasites and tissues from client fishes. Such interactions elicit beneficial effects on clients’ ecophysiology, with cascading effects on fish diversity and abundance. Ocean acidification (OA), resulting from increasing CO2 concentrations, can affect the behavior of cleaner fishes making them less motivated to inspect their clients. This is especially important as gnathiid fish ectoparasites are tolerant to ocean acidification. Here, we investigated how access to cleaning services, performed by the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus, affect individual client’s (damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis) aerobic metabolism in response to both experimental parasite infection and OA. Access to cleaning services was modulated using a long-term removal experiment where cleaner wrasses were consistently removed from patch reefs around Lizard Island (Australia) for 17 years or left undisturbed. Only damselfish with access to cleaning stations had a negative metabolic response to parasite infection (maximum metabolic rate—ṀO2Max; and both factorial and absolute aerobic scope). Moreover, after an acclimation period of 10 days to high CO2 (∼1,000 µatm CO2), the fish showed a decrease in factorial aerobic scope, being the lowest in fish without the access to cleaners. We propose that stronger positive selection for parasite tolerance might be present in reef fishes without the access to cleaners, but this might come at a cost, as readiness to deal with parasites can impact their response to other stressors, such as OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ricardo Paula
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Tiago Repolho
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Alexandra S Grutter
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Rui Rosa
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Cascais, Portugal
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4
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Huston DC, Ogawa K, Shirakashi S, Nowak BF. Metazoan Parasite Life Cycles: Significance for Fish Mariculture. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:1002-1012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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5
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Brazenor AK, Francis DS, Conlan JA, Carton AG, Hutson KS. Temperature alters reproduction and maternal provisioning in a fish ectoparasite. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:839-849. [PMID: 32663501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study quantified the effects of temperature on reproduction and maternal provisioning of the ectoparasite, Neobenedenia girellae (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea), a species known to cause detrimental impacts to aquaculture fishes in tropical and subtropical environments worldwide. At 20 and 25 °C, parasites exhibited relatively slower production of larger eggs that were energy-dense. In contrast, parasites at 30 °C attained sexual maturity faster, were reproductively active over a shorter period, grew to a smaller size and laid smaller, less energy-rich eggs at a faster rate. As such, parasites exhibited two distinct reproductive patterns in response to temperature: parasites at lower temperatures produced larger eggs with higher energy content, while those at the higher temperature had a higher rate of egg production. Larger eggs produced under cooler conditions were better provisioned with energetic reserves and important, membrane-bound lipids that would likely facilitate larval longevity and development success. This is commensurate with previous observations of epizootics of this parasite species in aquaculture systems during winter. Meanwhile, eggs produced at 30 °C contained higher proportions of saturated fatty acids compared with polyunsaturated fatty acids, likely reflecting metabolic regulation of cell membrane fluidity, which is necessary for larvae to survive warm conditions. This study demonstrates that fish ectoparasites have evolved substantial reproductive and metabolic flexibility to maximise infection success under variable environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Brazenor
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - David S Francis
- Australian Institute of Marine Science PMB No 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Jessica A Conlan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Alexander G Carton
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences and Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland 4701, Australia
| | - Kate S Hutson
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
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6
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Grutter AS, Feeney WE, Hutson KS, McClure EC, Narvaez P, Smit NJ, Sun D, Sikkel PC. Practical methods for culturing parasitic gnathiid isopods. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:825-837. [PMID: 32505649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The reliance of parasites on their hosts makes host-parasite interactions ideal models for exploring ecological and evolutionary processes. By providing a consistent supply of parasites, in vivo monocultures offer the opportunity to conduct experiments on a scale that is generally not otherwise possible. Gnathiid isopods are common ectoparasites of marine fishes, and are becoming an increasing focus of research attention due to their experimental amenability and ecological importance as ubiquitous, harmful, blood-feeding "mosquito-like" organisms. They feed on hosts once during each of their three juvenile stages, and after each feeding event they return to the benthos to digest and moult to the next stage. Adults do not feed and remain in the benthos, where they reproduce and give birth. Here, we provide methods of culturing gnathiids, and highlight ways in which gnathiids can be used to examine parasite-host-environment interactions. Captive-raised gnathiid juveniles are increasingly being used in parasitological research; however, the methodology for establishing gnathiid monocultures is still not widely known. Information to obtain in vivo monocultures on teleost fish is detailed for a Great Barrier Reef (Australia) and a Caribbean Sea (US Virgin Islands) gnathiid species, and gnathiid information gained over two decades of successfully maintaining continuous cultures is summarised. Providing a suitable benthic habitat for the predominantly benthic free-living stage of this parasite is paramount. Maintenance comprises provision of adequate benthic shelter, managing parasite populations, and sustaining host health. For the first time, we also measured gnathiids' apparent attack speed (maximum 24.5 cm sec-1; 6.9, 4.9/17.0, median, 25th/75th quantiles) and illustrate how to collect such fast moving ectoparasites in captivity for experiments. In addition to providing details pertaining to culture maintenance, we review research using gnathiid cultures that have enabled detailed scientific understanding of host and parasite biology, behaviour and ecology on coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Grutter
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - William E Feeney
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Kate S Hutson
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St East, Nelson 7010 New Zealand; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 1 University Drive, Townsville, Australia
| | - Eva C McClure
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Pauline Narvaez
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 1 University Drive, Townsville, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Nico J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Derek Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul C Sikkel
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
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7
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Konczal M, Przesmycka KJ, Mohammed RS, Phillips KP, Camara F, Chmielewski S, Hahn C, Guigo R, Cable J, Radwan J. Gene duplications, divergence and recombination shape adaptive evolution of the fish ectoparasite Gyrodactylus bullatarudis. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1494-1507. [PMID: 32222008 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Determining the molecular basis of parasite adaptation to its host is an important component in understanding host-parasite coevolution and the epidemiology of parasitic infections. Here, we investigate short- and long-term adaptive evolution in the eukaryotic parasite Gyrodactylus bullatarudis infecting Caribbean guppies (Poecilia reticulata), by comparing the reference genome of Tobagonian G. bullatarudis with other Platyhelminthes, and by analysing resequenced samples from local Trinidadian populations. At the macroevolutionary timescale, we observed duplication of G-protein and serine proteases genes, which are probably important in host-parasite arms races. Serine protease also showed strong evidence of ongoing, diversifying selection at the microevolutionary timescale. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that a hybridization event, involving two divergent genomes, followed by recombination has dramatically affected the genetic composition of Trinidadian populations. The recombinant genotypes invaded Trinidad and replaced local parasites in all populations. We localized more than 300 genes in regions fixed in local populations for variants of different origin, possibly due to diversifying selection pressure from local host populations. In addition, around 70 genes were localized in regions identified as heterozygous in some, but not all, individuals. This pattern is consistent with a very recent spread of recombinant parasites. Overall, our results are consistent with the idea that recombination between divergent genomes can result in particularly successful parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Konczal
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina J Przesmycka
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ryan S Mohammed
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies Zoology Museum, UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Karl P Phillips
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Marine Institute, Newport (Mayo), Ireland
| | - Francisco Camara
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Chmielewski
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Roderic Guigo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jacek Radwan
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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8
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Pawluk RJ, Stuart R, Garcia de Leaniz C, Cable J, Morphew RM, Brophy PM, Consuegra S. Smell of Infection: A Novel, Noninvasive Method for Detection of Fish Excretory-Secretory Proteins. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:1371-1379. [PMID: 30576144 PMCID: PMC6492949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chemical
signals are produced by aquatic organisms following predatory
attacks or perturbations such as parasitic infection. Ectoparasites
feeding on fish hosts are likely to cause release of similar alarm
cues into the environment due to the stress, wounding, and immune
response stimulated upon infection. Alarm cues are often released
in the form of proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and immunoglobulins
that provide important insights into bodily function and infection
status. Here we outline a noninvasive method to identify potential
chemical cues associated with infection in fish by extracting, purifying,
and characterizing proteins from water samples from cultured fish.
Gel free proteomic methods were deemed the most suitable for protein
detection in saline water samples. It was confirmed that teleost proteins
can be characterized from water and that variation in protein profiles
could be detected between infected and uninfected individuals and
fish and parasite only water samples. Our novel assay provides a noninvasive
method for assessing the health condition of both wild and farmed
aquatic organisms. Similar to environmental DNA monitoring methods,
these proteomic techniques could provide an important tool in applied
ecology and aquatic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Pawluk
- College of Science, Biosciences , Swansea University , Swansea , SA2 8PP , U.K
| | - Rebekah Stuart
- Wales Veterinary Science Centre , Buarth, Aberystwyth , Ceredigion SY23 1ND , U.K
| | | | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences , Cardiff University , Cardiff , CF10 3AX , U.K
| | - Russell M Morphew
- IBERS , Aberystwyth University , Penglais, Aberystwyth , Ceredigion SY23 3FL , U.K
| | - Peter M Brophy
- IBERS , Aberystwyth University , Penglais, Aberystwyth , Ceredigion SY23 3FL , U.K
| | - Sofia Consuegra
- College of Science, Biosciences , Swansea University , Swansea , SA2 8PP , U.K
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