Non-host organisms affect transmission processes in two common trematode parasites of rocky shores |
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Authors: | Katrin Prinz Thomas C Kelly Ruth M O’Riordan Sarah C Culloty |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland |
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Abstract: | The transmission of free-living trematode stages is mediated by various environmental factors, of which the presence of ambient
organisms within the host space is a potential major determinant. In two laboratory mesocosm experiments, we investigated
the influence of four intertidal rocky shore species on transmission success of cercariae of the digenean trematodes Echinostephilla
patellae (encysting in the tissue of blue mussels Mytilus edulis) and Parorchis
acanthus (encysting on mussel shells). Encystment success of both parasite species was significantly lower in the presence of test
organisms when compared to controls. Observations revealed that barnacles Austrominius
modestus actively filtered cercariae, whereas the larvae were obstructed by the seaweeds Corallina
officinalis and Fucus
serratus. Anemones Actinia
equina both physically disturbed and consumed cercariae. In a further laboratory experiment, grazing gastropods (Littorina
littorea, Patella
vulgata, and Gibbula
umbilicalis) were found to significantly reduce the numbers of P. acanthus metacercariae in artificially prepared dishes by ingestion of cysts. Our results suggest that non-host organisms may play
a key role in regulating the transmission of free-living trematode stages in rocky shore ecosystems, which is especially important
with regard to the relative diversity and density of species in these habitats. The findings also emphasize the need to include
parasites into marine food webs, since cercariae seem to be consumed by certain organisms to a considerable extent and could
possibly represent an important energy source. |
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Keywords: | |
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