Few parasites, and no evidence for Wolbachia infections in a freshwater ostracod inhabiting temporary ponds
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Date
2011-01
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
Biological systems with asexual reproduction have often attracted research on parasites and host immune defence, because parasites are expected to be better able to exploit genetically less diverse populations. In addition, maternally inherited parasitic microorganisms such as Wolbachia can directly alter the reproductive systems of their hosts and induce parthenogenesis. In the freshwater ostracod Eucypris virens, both sexual and asexual reproduction is known, and we speculated that parasite pressures might help to explain their co-existence. This species complex inhabits shallow, often eutrophic temporary water bodies, conditions that should provide ample opportunities for parasite infections. We surveyed natural populations of E. virens throughout its Europe-wide range for natural parasites, and particularly tested for the presence of intracellular Wolbachia bacteria. Surprisingly, the results indicate that very few E. virens populations support parasite infections. We also found no evidence for the presence of Wolbachia in the populations screened. The results therefore show that parasitic infections do not play a role in the maintenance of sex in this system.
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Publication status
published
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Journal / series
Volume
102 (1)
Pages / Article No.
208 - 216
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
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Subject
alphaproteobacteria; Cyprididae; maintenance of sex; microcrustaceans; parthenogenesis; Red Queen; temporary pools
Organisational unit
03705 - Jokela, Jukka / Jokela, Jukka