Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliane Hartke, Alejandro Ceron-Noriega, Marah Stoldt, Tom Sistermans, Marion Kever, Jenny Fuchs, Falk Butter, Susanne Foitzik
Summary: Parasites with complex life cycles often manipulate the phenotype of their intermediate hosts to increase transmission to their definitive hosts. Infection with Anomotaenia brevis, a cestode that uses Temnothorax nylanderi ants as intermediate hosts, leads to extended host lifespan and changes in behavior, morphology, and coloration. The parasite releases proteins into its host that may explain these changes, with two antioxidants being the most abundant among them.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Reichard, Stephan Koblmuller, Radim Blazek, Holger Zimmermann, Cyprian Katongo, Anna Bryjova, Josef Bryja
Summary: Host-parasite dynamics involve coevolutionary arms races and may result in host specialization and diversification. Previous understanding of host specialization in brood parasites has been mostly focused on bird and insect lineages. This study examines the relationship between the cuckoo catfish and mouthbrooding cichlids in Lake Tanganyika and finds evidence for the existence of sympatric host-specific lineages in the cuckoo catfish. Genetic analysis shows no host-specific lineages, and parasitism is not associated with any individual characteristics of the host species, but it does come at a cost for the parasitized parents. These findings suggest that the cuckoo catfish is an intermediate generalist in terms of host specialization.
Article
Ecology
Camilla Hakonsrud Jensen, Jacqueline Weidner, Jarl Giske, Christian Jorgensen, Sigrunn Eliassen, Adele Mennerat
Summary: Using a dynamic optimization model, this study investigates the effects of a parasite on the hormonal regulation, energy allocation, and foraging behavior of a growing host. The results show that the infected host has higher levels of certain hormones, leading to increased activity, foraging, and growth. These changes are adaptive host compensatory responses, not parasite manipulation.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maura Rojas-Pirela, Diego Andrade-Alviarez, Lisvaneth Medina, Christian Castillo, Ana Liempi, Jesus Guerrero-Munoz, Yessica Ortega, Juan Diego Maya, Veronica Rojas, Wilfredo Quinones, Paul A. Michels, Ulrike Kemmerling
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases, including those caused by parasitic protists. Additionally, miRNAs have the potential to be used as targets for drug design and as diagnostic and prognostic markers for parasitic diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Layla Hockerstedt, Elina Numminen, Ben Ashby, Mike Boots, Anna Norberg, Anna-Liisa Laine
Summary: This study found that isolated host populations are more affected by pathogen infection, while connected host populations have higher levels of resistance diversity. Spatial structure and host gene flow play important roles in the impacts of pathogens on hosts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Fumiaki Nagaoka, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Sachiko Akashi-Takamura, Makoto Itoh
Summary: Urine samples containing high levels of antibodies for ELISA testing offer a convenient and important alternative to blood samples in epidemiological studies of infectious diseases. This method could potentially provide a safer and more accessible approach to studying diseases in the future.
Review
Parasitology
Kurt Buchmann
Summary: Fish aquaculture is expanding globally, with the challenge of pathogens associated with each new fish type. Control programs are essential to address diseases caused by parasites, utilizing various methods such as chemotherapeutics, biological, immunological, and genetic approaches. Integration of control strategies is crucial due to the potential for adaptation of parasites to environmental changes.
Article
Entomology
Shuaiqi Zhang, Jieling Huang, Qiuping Wang, Minsheng You, Xiaofeng Xia
Summary: This study investigated the impact of parasitism by Cotesia vestalis on the gut microbiota of the host Plutella xylostella. The results revealed changes in the diversity and structure of the host-gut microbiota post-parasitization, with significant differences observed on the third day post parasitization. The study highlights the interaction between a parasitic wasp and gut bacteria in the host insect during parasitization.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Bulgarella, M. Piedad Lincango, Paola F. Lahuatte, Jonathan D. Oliver, Andrea Cahuana, Ismael E. Ramirez, Roxanne Sage, Alyssa J. Colwitz, Deborah A. Freund, James R. Miksanek, Roger D. Moon, Charlotte E. Causton, George E. Heimpel
Summary: Research found that the bird-parasitic fly Philornis downsi can survive during dry periods when host availability is limited and some reproduction still occurs. This phenomenon is significant for understanding the mechanisms of the fly's invasion of the Galapagos Islands and for conservation efforts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Kankan Sarkar, Subhas Khajanchi
Summary: In this study, an eco-epidemiological model with disease in prey and the effect of fear on prey species due to predator population was proposed and analyzed. The prey population becomes more vigilant and reduces infection risk due to fear of predators. Increasing fear changes system stability but cannot eradicate diseases completely.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marah Stoldt, Erwann Collin, Maide Nesibe Macit, Susanne Foitzik
Summary: Insect social parasites exploit the hosts' social behavior. This study on ants revealed that the presence of the social parasite Harpagoxenus sublaevis alters the behavioral and brain gene expression of the host Leptothorax acervorum. The transcriptome analysis showed that the social parasites affect the host's brain activity and potentially lead to behavioral changes. The presence of unrelated individuals (conspecifics or parasites) also resulted in changes in antennal gene expression, suggesting early priming of odor perception.
Article
Parasitology
Stephen M. J. Pollo, Aralia Leon-Coria, Hongrui Liu, David Cruces-Gonzalez, Constance A. M. Finney, James D. Wasmuth
Summary: In this study, RNA sequencing of parasitic nematodes provided insights into the extensive sexual dimorphism and sex-linked differences in gene expression. The research also identified important biological processes and immunomodulatory genes associated with different sexes and developmental stages during parasitic infection. These findings not only expand our understanding of host-parasite interactions but also establish the utility of Heligmosomoides bakeri as a model for parasitic nematodes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Mathematics
Usman Sanusi, Sona John, Johannes Mueller, Aurelien Tellier
Summary: Mathematical models are widely used to study the dynamics of coevolution and epidemiology, which can help improve disease management strategies. This study focuses on the influence of quiescence/dormancy on the dynamics of parasites and hosts. Deterministic and stochastic models are developed to analyze stability and stochasticity of the system, and it is found that quiescence can affect the variance of infected individuals and may dampen off stochasticity.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Beryl Musundi
Summary: In this study, an immuno-epidemiological model is proposed to link the within-host and between-host dynamics of cholera. By analyzing infected individuals at different time scales, better insights into the spread and control of the disease can be gained. The model captures the interaction between the cholera pathogen and the adaptive immune response.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Gabriel A. Jamie, Silky Hamama, Collins Moya, Rebecca M. Kilner, Claire N. Spottiswoode
Summary: The colonization of new hosts by parasitic finches such as Vidua may be limited by the inability of the nestling Vidua to adapt to the feeding behaviors of the new hosts, leading to low survival rates in the new environment. This highlights the importance of mimetic nestling phenotypes in soliciting feeding from foster parents and explains why successful colonizations are more likely with hosts closely related to the ancestral one.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Konstans Wells, Serge Morand, Maya Wardeh, Matthew Baylis
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Stuart C. Brown, Konstans Wells, Emilie Roy-Dufresne, Susan Campbell, Brian Cooke, Tarnya E. Cox, Damien A. Fordham
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Alexis Ribas, Konstans Wells, Serge Morand, Kittipong Chaisiri, Takeshi Agatsuma, Maklarin B. Lakim, Fred Y. Yuh Tuh, Weerachai Saijuntha
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Paula Ortega Perez, Gudrun Wibbelt, Annika Brinkmann, John A. Galindo Puentes, Fred Y. Y. Tuh, Maklarin B. Lakim, Andreas Nitsche, Konstans Wells, Thomas Jakel
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Alan Fecchio, Nicholas J. Clark, Jeffrey A. Bell, Heather R. Skeen, Holly L. Lutz, Gabriel M. De La Torre, Jefferson A. Vaughan, Vasyl V. Tkach, Fabio Schunck, Francisco C. Ferreira, Erika M. Braga, Camile Lugarini, Wanyoike Wamiti, Janice H. Dispoto, Spencer C. Galen, Karin Kirchgatter, M. Cecilia Sagario, Victor R. Cueto, Daniel Gonzalez-Acuna, Mizue Inumaru, Yukita Sato, Yvonne R. Schumm, Petra Quillfeldt, Irene Pellegrino, Guha Dharmarajan, Pooja Gupta, V. V. Robin, Arif Ciloglu, Alparslan Yildirim, Xi Huang, Leonardo Chapa-Vargas, Paulina Alvarez-Mendizabal, Diego Santiago-Alarcon, Serguei Drovetski, Olof Hellgren, Gary Voelker, Robert E. Ricklefs, Shannon J. Hackett, Michael D. Collins, Jason D. Weckstein, Konstans Wells
Summary: Macroecological analyses of global patterns of haemosporidian infections in avian hosts revealed marked variation in infection rates at different scales, with climate effects being more consistent across regions and host ecological traits playing a significant role. The study highlighted the importance of considering interactions between landscape, climate, and host characteristics for predicting changes in parasite infection risk under future scenarios.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gaetane Le Provost, Jan Thiele, Catrin Westphal, Caterina Penone, Eric Allan, Margot Neyret, Fons van der Plas, Manfred Ayasse, Richard D. Bardgett, Klaus Birkhofer, Steffen Boch, Michael Bonkowski, Francois Buscot, Heike Feldhaar, Rachel Gaulton, Kezia Goldmann, Martin M. Gossner, Valentin H. Klaus, Till Kleinebecker, Jochen Krauss, Swen Renner, Pascal Scherreiks, Johannes Sikorski, Dennis Baulechner, Nico Bluethgen, Ralph Bolliger, Carmen Boerschig, Verena Busch, Melanie Chiste, Anna Maria Fiore-Donno, Markus Fischer, Hartmut Arndt, Norbert Hoelzel, Katharina John, Kirsten Jung, Markus Lange, Carlo Marzini, Joerg Overmann, Esther Pasalic, David J. Perovic, Daniel Prati, Deborah Schaefer, Ingo Schoening, Marion Schrumpf, Ilja Sonnemann, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marco Tschapka, Manfred Tuerke, Juliane Vogt, Katja Wehner, Christiane Weiner, Wolfgang Weisser, Konstans Wells, Michael Werner, Volkmar Wolters, Tesfaye Wubet, Susanne Wurst, Andrey S. Zaitsev, Peter Manning
Summary: Land-use intensification is a major driver of biodiversity change. The study found that above- and belowground taxa in grassland landscapes have decoupled responses to local factors, with a strong impact of landscape-level land use on biodiversity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
John R. Giles, Alison J. Peel, Konstans Wells, Raina K. Plowright, Hamish McCallum, Olivier Restif
Summary: The outbreaks caused by infectious viruses spreading from bats have shown that current sampling methods may introduce positive bias, making the study of viral dynamics difficult. Research suggests that adjusting sampling design, such as reducing sheet size, increasing quantity, and more evenly distributing within roosts, can lead to a more accurate estimation of true viral prevalence.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Pascal Scherreiks, Martin M. Gossner, Manfred Ayasse, Nico Bluethgen, Markus Fischer, Valentin H. Klaus, Till Kleinebecker, Felix Neff, Daniel Prati, Sebastian Seibold, Nadja K. Simons, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Konstans Wells, Catrin Westphal, Jan Thiele, Didem Ambarli
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of present and historical landscape structure on plant and arthropod species richness in temperate grasslands. The results suggest that historical landscape structure is an important predictor of current species richness.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emma E. Glennon, Marjolein Bruijning, Justin Lessler, Ian F. Miller, Benjamin L. Rice, Robin N. Thompson, Konstans Wells, C. Jessica E. Metcalf
Summary: The emergence of infectious agents with pandemic potential presents scientific challenges, where mathematical models could play a key role in preparing for future emergent pathogens. Core directions for expansion include identifying critical directions for data collection, expanding basic theory to determine infectious agents with the greatest risks, strengthening estimation tools, and ensuring modeling applications are communicated and developed within diverse and equitable collaborations for increased public health benefit.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mick Roberts, Andrew Dobson, Olivier Restif, Konstans Wells
Summary: The challenges lie in the need for a better understanding of the dynamic nature of wildlife-human interfaces, including the diversity of pathogens and host-pathogen networks, and the environmental conditions that enable spillover from animals to humans.
Article
Microbiology
Rowan Durrant, Rodrigo Hamede, Konstans Wells, Miguel Lurgi
Summary: Metapopulation structure is crucial for wildlife population persistence and disease dynamics. The interaction between host dispersal, disease transmission rate, and within-population mixing plays a synergistic role in disease spread and population declines. Population isolation may reduce disease prevalence but can also lead to declines in size and genetic diversity, emphasizing the importance of considering metapopulation structure in disease control strategies.
Article
Ecology
Nicholas J. Clark, Konstans Wells
Summary: Generalised additive models (GAMs) are popular tools for estimating smooth nonlinear relationships between predictors and response variables, but less useful for producing forecasts. Dynamic generalised additive models (DGAMs) address this limitation by jointly estimating the GAM linear predictor and unobserved dynamic components for time series. These models are particularly useful for analysing multiple series and learning complex temporal associations. mvgam R package implements these models and offers additional features for calculating correlations, model selection, online data augmentation, and visualising uncertainties. DGAMs offer a solution for forecasting discrete time series while estimating nonlinear predictor associations, which is important in applied ecology.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Gaetane Le Provost, Noelle Schenk, Caterina Penone, Jan Thiele, Catrin Westphal, Eric Allan, Manfred Ayasse, Nico Bluthgen, Runa S. Boeddinghaus, Andrea Larissa Boesing, Ralph Bolliger, Verena Busch, Markus Fischer, Martin M. Gossner, Norbert Hoelzel, Kirsten Jung, Ellen Kandeler, Valentin H. Klaus, Till Kleinebecker, Sophia Leimer, Sven Marhan, Kathryn Morris, Sandra Mueller, Felix Neff, Margot Neyret, Yvonne Oelmann, David J. Perovic, Sophie Peter, Daniel Prati, Matthias C. Rillig, Hugo Saiz, Deborah Schaefer, Michael Scherer-Lorenzen, Michael Schloter, Ingo Schoening, Marion Schrumpf, Juliane Steckel, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marco Tschapka, Juliane Vogt, Christiane Weiner, Wolfgang Weisser, Konstans Wells, Michael Werner, Wolfgang Wilcke, Peter Manning
Summary: This study examines the impact of biodiversity on the supply of ecosystem services in European agricultural grasslands. The results show that plant diversity at both plot-level and surrounding areas plays a significant role in the provision of cultural and aboveground regulating services. In contrast, provisioning and belowground regulating services are more influenced by field-level management and abiotic factors. The findings also highlight the positive influence of biodiversity on different stakeholder groups.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konstans Wells, Miguel Lurgi, Brendan Collins, Biagio Lucini, Rowland R. Kao, Alun L. Lloyd, Simon D. W. Frost, Mike B. Gravenor
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2020)