Host-Parasite Population Dynamics in Free-Running Arenas

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Our LONG-TERM GOAL is to identify factors that affect the dynamic interaction between host and parasite population and their environments as a means of anticipating consequences of interventions and environmental changes. Although most lab studies are done on isolated individual hosts using artificial modes of parasite transmission, we have demonstrated limitations in extrapolating to functional host populations. Thus, our SCIENTIFIC APPROACH is to complement tightly controlled research on individual hosts with experimental population-level research. SHORT-TERM GOALS: We are examining how pregnant and lactating mice signal the stress of nematode infection or protein deficiency to the fetus and neonate, the impact of these signals on fetal and neonatal skeletal and immunological development, on the longer-term fitness of the offspring and on host-parasite population dynamics in free-running arena populations. We are also examining the impact of combined stresses of ectoparasites and waterborne zinc pollution on the dynamics of epidemic outbreaks in guppy populations that have different life history traits. IMPACT: The effects of stresses such as parasitism, malnutrition and pollution extend beyond the individual to populations, communities and future generations. Our research will improve understanding of physiological markers in amniotic fluid, the placenta and breast milk that signal maternal stresses to the neonate, and their consequences on tissue development and short and long-term disease resistance. Our research will also take advantage of sets of life history traits that have evolved under different predation regimes in order to consider how zinc pollution alters guppy's ability to resist infectious agents.