Analysis of Scolex Morphology and Attachment Site Configuration at the Host/Parasite Interface

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The Oncobothriidae comprises a family of parasitic cestode tapeworms. Members of this family infect the intestines of sharks and other elasmobranch fishes. Dr. Janine Caira will be investigating the evolutionary relationships among the species of several genera of oncobothriids, and establishing their preferred attachment sites within the spiral valves of the fish intestines. Evolutionary relationships among the tapeworms will be reconstructed using data from electron microscopy, amino acid analysis of attachment hooks, and adult tapeworm morphology. The data gathered on the morphology and protein chemistry of the attachment hooks will advance our understanding of the systematics and evolution of the parasites, and of possible coevolutionary mechanisms that affect hosts and parasites. A well-documented evolutionary reconstructions of the tapeworms can be compared to the ancestor-descendant relationships of the host fishes. Coevolution among hosts and parasites is a phenomenon with implications for many branches of biology.