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Choo J, Nghiem LTP, Benítez-López A, Carrasco LR. Range area and the fast-slow continuum of life history traits predict pathogen richness in wild mammals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20191. [PMID: 37980452 PMCID: PMC10657380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of pathogen richness in wildlife is needed to identify host species with a high risk of zoonotic disease spillover. While several predictors of pathogen richness in wildlife hosts have been proposed, their relative importance has not been formally examined. This hampers our ability to identify potential disease reservoirs, particularly in remote areas with limited surveillance efforts. Here we analyzed 14 proposed predictors of pathogen richness using ensemble modeling and a dataset of 1040 host species to identify the most important predictors of pathogen richness in wild mammal species. After controlling for research effort, larger species geographic range area was identified to be associated with higher pathogen richness. We found evidence of duality in the relationship between the fast-slow continuum of life-history traits and pathogen richness, where pathogen richness increases near the extremities. Taxonomic orders Carnivora, Proboscidea, Artiodactyla, and Perissodactyla were predicted to host high pathogen richness. The top three species with the highest pathogen richness predicted by our ensemble model were Canis lupus, Sus scrofa, and Alces alces. Our results can help support evidence-informed pathogen surveillance and disease reservoir management to prevent the emergence of future zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Choo
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - Ana Benítez-López
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Fletcher LE, Martin LB, Downs CJ. Leukocyte Concentrations Are Isometric in Reptiles Unlike in Endotherms. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:405-417. [PMID: 38237194 DOI: 10.1086/727050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
AbstractHow do large and small reptiles defend against infections, given the consequences of body mass for physiology and disease transmission? Functionally equivalent mammalian and avian granulocytes increased disproportionately with body mass (i.e., scaled hypermetrically), such that large organisms had higher concentrations than expected by a prediction of proportional protection across sizes. However, as these scaling relationships were derived from endothermic animals, they do not necessarily inform the scaling of leukocyte concentration for ectothermic reptiles that have a different physiology and evolutionary history. Here, we asked whether and how lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations relate to body mass among more than 120 reptile species. We compared these relationships to those found in birds and mammals and to existing scaling frameworks (i.e., protecton, complexity, rate of metabolism, or safety factor hypotheses). Both lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations scaled almost isometrically among reptiles. In contrast, functionally equivalent granulocytes scaled hypermetrically and lymphocytes scaled isometrically in birds and mammals. Life history traits were also poor predictors of variation in reptilian heterophil and lymphocyte concentrations. Our results provide insight into differences in immune protection in birds and mammals relative to that in reptiles through a comparative lens. The shape of scaling relationships differs, which should be considered when modeling disease dynamics among these groups.
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3
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Minias P, Peng WXVH, Matson KD. Evolutionary trade-off between innate and acquired immune defences in birds. Front Zool 2023; 20:32. [PMID: 37684615 PMCID: PMC10486109 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development, maintenance, and use of immune defences are costly. Therefore, animals face trade-offs in terms of resource allocation within their immune system and between their immune system and other physiological processes. To maximize fitness, evolution may favour investment in one immunological defence or subsystem over another in a way that matches a species broader life history strategy. Here, we used phylogenetically-informed comparative analyses to test for relationships between two immunological components. Natural antibodies and complement were used as proxies for the innate branch; structural complexity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region was used for the acquired branch. RESULTS We found a negative association between the levels of natural antibodies (i.e., haemagglutination titre) and the total MHC gene copy number across the avian phylogeny, both at the species and family level. The family-level analysis indicated that this association was apparent for both MHC-I and MHC-II, when copy numbers within these two MHC regions were analysed separately. The association remained significant after controlling for basic life history components and for ecological traits commonly linked to pathogen exposure. CONCLUSION Our results provide the first phylogenetically robust evidence for an evolutionary trade-off within the avian immune system, with a more developed acquired immune system (i.e., more complex MHC architecture) in more derived bird lineages (e.g., passerines) being accompanied by an apparent downregulation of the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Wei-Xuan V-H Peng
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708PB, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Matson
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708PB, Wageningen, Netherlands
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4
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Salaberria C, Chávez-Zichinelli CA, López-Rull I, Romano MC, Schondube JE. Physiological status of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) along an ozone pollution gradient. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:261-272. [PMID: 36810751 PMCID: PMC10008774 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02632-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and one in which air contamination is considered a public health threat. Numerous studies have related high concentrations of particulate matter and ozone to several respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and a higher human mortality risk. However, almost all of those studies have focused on human health outcomes, and the effects of anthropogenic air pollution on wildlife species is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impacts of air pollution in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) on house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We assessed two physiological responses commonly used as biomarkers: stress response (the corticosterone concentration in feathers), and constitutive innate immune response (the concentration of both natural antibodies and lytic complement proteins), which are non-invasive techniques. We found a negative relationship between the ozone concentration and the natural antibodies response (p = 0.003). However, no relationship was found between the ozone concentration and the stress response or the complement system activity (p > 0.05). These results suggest that ozone concentrations in air pollution within MCMA may constrain the natural antibody response in the immune system of house sparrows. Our study shows, for the first time, the potential impact of ozone pollution on a wild species in the MCMA presenting the Nabs activity and the house sparrow as suitable indicators to assess the effect of air contamination on the songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción Salaberria
- Área de Biodiversidad, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Calle Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, España
| | | | - Isabel López-Rull
- Área de Biodiversidad, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Calle Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, España
| | - Marta C Romano
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge E Schondube
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Morelia, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro 8701, Colonia Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.
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5
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Sasser KT, Weber JN. A Call For More Ecologically And Evolutionarily Relevant Studies of Immune Costs. Evol Ecol 2023; 37:203-214. [PMID: 37608798 PMCID: PMC10443930 DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
What are the relative costs and benefits of mounting immune responses? Practitioners of ecoimmunology have grappled with this central question since the field's inception with the main tension being how to make tractable methodological choices that maintain the ecological relevance of induced and measured immune costs. Here, we point out two methodological approaches that we feel are underrepresented in the field, describe risks associated with neglecting these methods, and suggest modern techniques that maximize both the diversity and ecological relevance of collected data. First, it is commonly assumed that frequently used and experimentally convenient immune stimulants will induce ecologically relevant immune responses in study organisms. This can be a dangerous assumption. Even if a stimulant's general immune response properties are well characterized, it is critical to also measure the type and scale of immune responses induced by live pathogens. Second, patterns of immune defenses evolve like other traits, thus a comparative approach is essential to understand what forces shape immune variation. Finally, we describe modern genetic and immunological approaches that will soon become essential tools for ecoimmunologists, and present case studies that exemplify the utility of our recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofer Trey Sasser
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA. Current address: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- 430 Lincoln Dr, Birge Hall, Madison WI, 53706
| | - Jesse N Weber
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- 430 Lincoln Dr, Birge Hall, Madison WI, 53706
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6
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Perrin A, Glaizot O, Christe P. Worldwide impacts of landscape anthropization on mosquito abundance and diversity: A meta-analysis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:6857-6871. [PMID: 36107000 PMCID: PMC9828797 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the emergence and resurgence of vector-borne diseases have been well documented worldwide, especially in tropical regions where protection and defense tools for human populations are still very limited. In this context, the dynamics of pathogens are influenced by landscape anthropization (i.e., urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development), and one of the mechanisms through which this occurs is a change in the abundance and/or diversity of the vectors. An increasing number of empirical studies have described heterogeneous effects of landscape anthropization on vector communities; therefore, it is difficult to have an overall picture of these effects on a global scale. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify the impacts of landscape anthropization on a global scale on the presence/abundance and diversity of mosquitoes, the most important arthropods affecting human health. We obtained 338 effect sizes on 132 mosquito species, compiled from 107 studies in 52 countries that covered almost every part of the world. The results of the meta-analysis showed an overall decline of mosquito presence/abundance and diversity in response to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development, except for a few mosquito species that have been able to exploit landscape anthropization well. Our results highlighted that these few favored mosquito species are those of global concern. They, thus, provide a better understanding of the overall effect of landscape anthropization on vector communities and, more importantly, suggest a greater risk of emergence and transmission of vector-borne diseases in human-modified landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Perrin
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- Museum of ZoologyLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
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7
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Leifels M, Khalilur Rahman O, Sam IC, Cheng D, Chua FJD, Nainani D, Kim SY, Ng WJ, Kwok WC, Sirikanchana K, Wuertz S, Thompson J, Chan YF. The one health perspective to improve environmental surveillance of zoonotic viruses: lessons from COVID-19 and outlook beyond. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:107. [PMID: 36338866 PMCID: PMC9618154 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The human population has doubled in the last 50 years from about 3.7 billion to approximately 7.8 billion. With this rapid expansion, more people live in close contact with wildlife, livestock, and pets, which in turn creates increasing opportunities for zoonotic diseases to pass between animals and people. At present an estimated 75% of all emerging virus-associated infectious diseases possess a zoonotic origin, and outbreaks of Zika, Ebola and COVID-19 in the past decade showed their huge disruptive potential on the global economy. Here, we describe how One Health inspired environmental surveillance campaigns have emerged as the preferred tools to monitor human-adjacent environments for known and yet to be discovered infectious diseases, and how they can complement classical clinical diagnostics. We highlight the importance of environmental factors concerning interactions between animals, pathogens and/or humans that drive the emergence of zoonoses, and the methodologies currently proposed to monitor them-the surveillance of wastewater, for example, was identified as one of the main tools to assess the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by public health professionals and policy makers during the COVID-19 pandemic. One-Health driven approaches that facilitate surveillance, thus harbour the potential of preparing humanity for future pandemics caused by aetiological agents with environmental reservoirs. Via the example of COVID-19 and other viral diseases, we propose that wastewater surveillance is a useful complement to clinical diagnosis as it is centralized, robust, cost-effective, and relatively easy to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Leifels
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Omar Khalilur Rahman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dan Cheng
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Feng Jun Desmond Chua
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dhiraj Nainani
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Se Yeon Kim
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ng
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Chiew Kwok
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, CHE, Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janelle Thompson
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yoke Fun Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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8
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Moreira Magela S, Flávia do Nascimento A, Macena Pereira de Souza B. Capybara Ticks and the Urban Context of Spotted Fever in Brazil: An Overview. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.106639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted through tick’s saliva. Humans, ticks, and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are often coexisting in environments that favor the spread of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). Although capybaras do not transmit R. rickettsii, they can amplify these bacteria among tick vector populations, playing a significant role in the one health approach and epidemiology of the disease. Urban populations of capybaras have increased, especially in Southeast Brazil, as well as the number of cases and lethality of BSF have increased in the country since the 1980s. This expansion is mainly determined by the availability of food and the absence of predators. Thus, urban areas, including parks and university campuses, provide an abundance of food and protection against predators, ensuring the multiplication of the species and increasing the risk of transmission to humans due to the proximity of man with animals in the urban environment. Therefore, this chapter aims to address aspects of spotted fever, considering the many dimensions of the species involved, contributing to public strategies and policies.
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9
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Frias-Soler RC, Kelsey NA, Villarín Pildaín L, Wink M, Bairlein F. Transcriptome signature changes in the liver of a migratory passerine. Genomics 2022; 114:110283. [PMID: 35143886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The liver plays a principal role in avian migration. Here, we characterised the liver transcriptome of a long-distance migrant, the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), sampled at different migratory stages, looking for molecular processes linked with adaptations to migration. The analysis of the differentially expressed genes suggested changes in the periods of the circadian rhythm, variation in the proportion of cells in G1/S cell-cycle stages and the putative polyploidization of this cell population. This may explain the dramatic increment in the liver's metabolic capacities towards migration. Additionally, genes involved in anti-oxidative stress, detoxification and innate immune responses, lipid metabolism, inflammation and angiogenesis were regulated. Lipophagy and lipid catabolism were active at all migratory stages and increased towards the fattening and fat periods, explaining the relevance of lipolysis in controlling steatosis and maintaining liver health. Our study clears the way for future functional studies regarding long-distance avian migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Carlos Frias-Soler
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Natalie A Kelsey
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
| | - Lilian Villarín Pildaín
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Franz Bairlein
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Am Obstberg 1, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany.
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10
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Downie AE, Mayer A, Metcalf CJE, Graham AL. Optimal immune specificity at the intersection of host life history and parasite epidemiology. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009714. [PMID: 34932551 PMCID: PMC8730424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hosts diverge widely in how, and how well, they defend themselves against infection and immunopathology. Why are hosts so heterogeneous? Both epidemiology and life history are commonly hypothesized to influence host immune strategy, but the relationship between immune strategy and each factor has commonly been investigated in isolation. Here, we show that interactions between life history and epidemiology are crucial for determining optimal immune specificity and sensitivity. We propose a demographically-structured population dynamics model, in which we explore sensitivity and specificity of immune responses when epidemiological risks vary with age. We find that variation in life history traits associated with both reproduction and longevity alters optimal immune strategies-but the magnitude and sometimes even direction of these effects depends on how epidemiological risks vary across life. An especially compelling example that explains previously-puzzling empirical observations is that depending on whether infection risk declines or rises at reproductive maturity, later reproductive maturity can select for either greater or lower immune specificity, potentially illustrating why studies of lifespan and immune variation across taxa have been inconclusive. Thus, the sign of selection on the life history-immune specificity relationship can be reversed in different epidemiological contexts. Drawing on published life history data from a variety of chordate taxa, we generate testable predictions for this facet of the optimal immune strategy. Our results shed light on the causes of the heterogeneity found in immune defenses both within and among species and the ultimate variability of the relationship between life history and immune specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Downie
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - C. Jessica E. Metcalf
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Graham
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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11
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Romano D, Stefanini C. Unveiling social distancing mechanisms via a fish-robot hybrid interaction. BIOLOGICAL CYBERNETICS 2021; 115:565-573. [PMID: 33730211 PMCID: PMC8960612 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-021-00867-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen transmission is a major limit of social species. Social distancing, a behavioural-based response to diseases, has been regularly reported in nature. However, the identification of distinctive stimuli associated with an infectious disease represents a challenging task for host species, whose cognitive mechanisms are still poorly understood. Herein, the social fish Paracheirodon innesi, was selected as model organism to investigate animal abilities in exploiting visual information to identify and promote social distancing towards potentially infected conspecifics. To address this, a robotic fish replica mimicking a healthy P. innesi subject, and another mimicking P. innesi with morphological and/or locomotion anomalies were developed. P. innesi individuals were attracted by the healthy fish replica, while they avoided the fish replica with morphological abnormalities, as well as the fish replica with an intact appearance, but performing locomotion anomalies (both symptoms associated with a microsporidian parasite infesting P. innesi and other fish). Furthermore, the fish replica presenting both morphology and locomotion anomalies in conjunction, triggered a significantly stronger social distancing response. This confirms the hypothesis that group living animals overgeneralize cues that can be related with a disease to minimize transmission, and highlights the important role of visual cues in infection risk contexts. This study prompts more attention on the role of behavioural-based strategies to avoid pathogen/parasite diffusion, and can be used to optimize computational approaches to model disease dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Romano
- The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Cesare Stefanini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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12
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Ndithia HK, Matson KD, Muchai M, Tieleman BI. Immune function differs among tropical environments but is not downregulated during reproduction in three year-round breeding equatorial lark populations. Oecologia 2021; 197:599-614. [PMID: 34636981 PMCID: PMC8585810 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-05052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal variation in immune function can be attributed to life history trade-offs, and to variation in environmental conditions. However, because phenological stages and environmental conditions co-vary in temperate and arctic zones, their separate contributions have not been determined. We compared immune function and body mass of incubating (female only), chick-feeding (female and male), and non-breeding (female and male) red-capped larks Calandrella cinerea breeding year-round in three tropical equatorial (Kenya) environments with distinct climates. We measured four immune indices: haptoglobin, nitric oxide, agglutination, and lysis. To confirm that variation in immune function between breeding (i.e., incubating or chick-feeding) and non-breeding was not confounded by environmental conditions, we tested if rainfall, average minimum temperature (Tmin), and average maximum temperature (Tmax) differed during sampling times among the three breeding statuses per location. Tmin and Tmax differed between chick-feeding and non-breeding, suggesting that birds utilized environmental conditions differently in different locations for reproduction. Immune indices did not differ between incubating, chick-feeding and non-breeding birds in all three locations. There were two exceptions: nitric oxide was higher during incubation in cool and wet South Kinangop, and it was higher during chick-feeding in the cool and dry North Kinangop compared to non-breeding birds in these locations. For nitric oxide, agglutination, and lysis, we found among-location differences within breeding stage. In equatorial tropical birds, variation in immune function seems to be better explained by among-location climate-induced environmental conditions than by breeding status. Our findings raise questions about how within-location environmental variation relates to and affects immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry K Ndithia
- Ornithology Section, Department of Zoology, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, 00100 GPO, Kenya. .,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Kevin D Matson
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Environmental Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Muchane Muchai
- Department of Clinical Studies (Wildlife and Conservation), College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - B Irene Tieleman
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Cassidy ST, Chapa J, Tran TA, Dolezal N, Gerena C, Johnson G, Leyva A, Stein S, Wright CM, Keiser CN. Disease defences across levels of biological organization: individual and social immunity in acorn ants. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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14
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Kirk D, Greischar M, Mideo N, Krkošek M. Environmental variability affects optimal trade‐offs in ecological immunology. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Devin Kirk
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto Toronto OntarioM5S 1A1Canada
| | - Megan Greischar
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto Toronto OntarioM5S 1A1Canada
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto Toronto OntarioM5S 1A1Canada
| | - Martin Krkošek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto Toronto OntarioM5S 1A1Canada
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15
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Egerton S, Lynch SA, Prado-Alvarez M, Flannery G, Brennan E, Hugh-Jones T, Hugh-Jones D, Culloty SC. A Naïve Population of European Oyster Ostrea edulis with Reduced Susceptibility to the Pathogen Bonamia ostreae: Are S-Strategy Life Traits Providing Protection? Integr Comp Biol 2021; 60:249-260. [PMID: 32533837 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
European populations of the native flat oyster, Ostrea edulis, have been heavily depleted by two protozoan parasites, Marteila refringens and Bonamia ostreae, with mortalities of up to 90% reported in naïve populations. However, in studies carried out over a 10-year period, researching the parasite-host relationship of B. ostreae and O. edulis in several age cohorts within a naïve O. edulis population from Loch Ryan (LR), Scotland, 1364 specimens were challenged and only 64 (5%), across multiple testing protocols, screened positive for B. ostreae. This article presents a case for the development of S-strategy life traits in the LR population that coincide with enhanced immune function and survival. Oysters are considered typical r-strategists (small in size with fast development and high fecundity) while S-strategists, as outlined in Grime's (1977) competitor-stress tolerant-ruderal (C-S-R) triangle theory, are characterized by slow growth and investment in the durability of individuals. This study hypothesizes that slower growth and reduced reproductive output in LR oysters has resulted in the investment of an enhanced immune function and reduced susceptibility to B. ostreae that is, r-strategists with S-strategy life traits equates to protection from significant pathogens. The findings presented here within provide a strong case study for local adaptation of energy allocation and provides empirical support for the C-S-R triangle theory in a marine organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Egerton
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sharon A Lynch
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Prado-Alvarez
- Marine Molecular Pathobiology Research Group, Institute of Marine Research, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | | | - Elaine Brennan
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tristan Hugh-Jones
- Atlantic Shellfish Ltd, Rossmore, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland.,Loch Ryan Oysters, Loch Ryan, Scotland, UK
| | - David Hugh-Jones
- Atlantic Shellfish Ltd, Rossmore, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland.,Loch Ryan Oysters, Loch Ryan, Scotland, UK
| | - Sarah C Culloty
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,MaREI centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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16
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Wittman TN, Cox RM. The evolution of monogamy is associated with reversals from male to female bias in the survival cost of parasitism. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210421. [PMID: 33977790 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent to which parasites reduce host survival should depend upon how hosts balance trade-offs between reproduction and survival. For example, parasites are predicted to impose greater survival costs under polygynous or promiscuous mating systems in which competition for mates favours increased reproductive investment, particularly in males. We provide, to our knowledge, the first comparative test of the hypothesis that the mating system of the host is an important determinant of (i) the extent to which parasites reduce survival, and (ii) the extent to which males and females differ in the survival cost of parasitism. Using meta-analysis of 85 published estimates of the survival cost of parasitism from 72 studies of 64 species representing diverse animal lineages, we show that parasites impose a mean 3.5-fold increase in the odds of mortality on their hosts. Although this survival cost does not differ significantly across monogamous, polygynous and promiscuous mating systems, females incur a greater survival cost than males in monogamous species, whereas males incur a greater survival cost than females in polygynous and promiscuous species. Our results support the idea that mating systems shape the relative extent to which males and females invest in reproduction at the expense of defence against parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler N Wittman
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert M Cox
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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17
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Abo-Al-Ela HG, El-Kassas S, El-Naggar K, Abdo SE, Jahejo AR, Al Wakeel RA. Stress and immunity in poultry: light management and nanotechnology as effective immune enhancers to fight stress. Cell Stress Chaperones 2021; 26:457-472. [PMID: 33847921 PMCID: PMC8065079 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-021-01204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The poultry industry plays a significant role in boosting the economy of several countries, particularly developing countries, and acts as a good, cheap, and affordable source of animal protein. A stress-free environment is the main target in poultry production. There are several stressors, such as cold stress, heat stress, high stocking density, and diseases that can affect birds and cause several deleterious changes. Stress reduces feed intake and growth, as well as impairs immune response and function, resulting in high disease susceptibility. These effects are correlated with higher corticosteroid levels that modulate several immune pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Toll-like receptor signaling along with induction of excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thus oxidative stress. Several approaches have been considered to boost bird immunity to overcome stress-associated effects. Of these, dietary supplementation of certain nutrients and management modifications, such as light management, are commonly considered. Dietary supplementations improve bird immunity by improving the development of lymphoid tissues and triggering beneficial immune modulators and responses. Since nano-minerals have higher bioavailability compared to inorganic or organic forms, they are highly recommended to be included in the bird's diet during stress. Additionally, light management is considered a cheap and safe approach to control stress. Changing light from continuous to intermittent and using monochromatic light instead of the normal light improve bird performance and health. Such changes in light management are associated with a reduction of ROS production and increased antioxidant production. In this review, we discuss the impact of stress on the immune system of birds and the transcriptome of oxidative stress and immune-related genes, in addition, how nano-minerals supplementations and light system modulate or mitigate stress-associated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham G Abo-Al-Ela
- Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fish Resources, Suez University, Suez, 43518, Egypt.
| | - Seham El-Kassas
- Animal, Poultry and Fish Breeding and Production, Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Karima El-Naggar
- Department of Nutrition and Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt
| | - Safaa E Abdo
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ali Raza Jahejo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Rasha A Al Wakeel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
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18
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Lundblad CG, Conway CJ. Intraspecific variation in incubation behaviours along a latitudinal gradient is driven by nest microclimate and selection on neonate quality. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carl G. Lundblad
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow ID USA
| | - Courtney J. Conway
- U.S. Geological Survey Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow ID USA
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19
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Rodríguez-Hernández K, Álvarez-Mendizábal P, Chapa-Vargas L, Escobar F, González-García F, Santiago-Alarcon D. Haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation in relation to avian assemblage life history traits at different elevations. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:365-378. [PMID: 33454363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of vector-borne protozoa such as parasites of the Order Haemosporida is dependent on both biotic and abiotic factors such as host life history traits and environmental conditions. This study aimed to identify the variables that determine haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation within the context of elevation and avian life history traits in Central Veracruz, Mexico. We sampled 607 birds from 88 species; we used microscopy and the mtDNA cytochrome b gene to detect parasites. We found an overall prevalence of 32.3%. Haemosporidian prevalence was 21.6% in tropical sub-deciduous forest (at sea level), 38% in tropical deciduous forest (265 m above sea level (asl)), 19.4% in montane cloud forest (1630 m asl), and 51.7% in pine-oak forest (2790 m asl). The prevalence of each parasite genus was strongly influenced by elevation (a proxy of habitat type). Plasmodium showed the highest prevalence at low elevation. Haemoproteus increased in prevalence with elevation. Leucocytozoon displayed the highest prevalence at the highest elevation (pine-oak forest). Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. prevalences were higher in open cup than in closed nests. Haemoproteus prevalence and haemosporidian parasitaemia were lower in solitary birds than birds with pairing and gregarious behavior. Haemosporidian aggregation decreased with elevation, yielding the significantly lowest values at the pine-oak forest. Elevation distribution patterns of prevalence for each genus were similar to those previously reported in other geographical areas (e.g., South America, Europe).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rodríguez-Hernández
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Paulina Álvarez-Mendizábal
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Chapa-Vargas
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A. C., Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Colonia Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Federico Escobar
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Fernando González-García
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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20
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Albery GF, Becker DJ. Fast-lived Hosts and Zoonotic Risk. Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:117-129. [PMID: 33214097 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Because most emerging human pathogens originate in mammals, many studies aim to identify host traits that determine the risk of sourcing zoonotic outbreaks. Studies regularly assert that 'fast-lived' mammal species exhibiting greater fecundity and shorter lifespans tend to host more zoonoses; however, the causes of this association remain poorly understood and they cover a range of immune and nonimmune mechanisms. We discuss these drivers in the context of evolutionary ecology and wildlife-human interactions. Ultimately, differentiating these mechanisms will require linking interspecific variation in life history with immunity, pathogen diversity, transmissibility, and zoonotic risk, and critical data gaps currently limit our ability to do so. We highlight sampling and analytical frameworks to address this gap and to better inform zoonotic reservoir prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
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21
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Chen L, Liu X, Peng Z, Zhou S. Species distribution patterns and the scale of host interactions quantitatively but not qualitatively affect the diversity–disease relationship. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Oliveira NR, Moens T, Fonseca G, Nagata RM, Custódio MR, Gallucci F. Response of life-history traits of estuarine nematodes to the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 227:105609. [PMID: 32906060 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Species responses to stress are expected to be dependent on their life-history strategy. In this study, we compare the responses of two free-living marine nematodes, Litoditis marina and Diplolaimella dievengatensis, both considered opportunistic, fast-growing, and stress-tolerant species, to the exposure to sublethal concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant. Specifically, we evaluated the growth and reproduction rates, as well as the survival of individuals exposed from eggs and/or juveniles (J1) onwards. Exposure to SDS significantly affected the growth and reproduction rates of both species. However, whereas growth and reproduction rates of D. dievengatensis were significantly enhanced at low and intermediate concentrations of SDS (0.001% and 0.003%), for L. marina both parameters were significantly reduced by all SDS concentrations tested (0.001%, 0.003% and 0.006%). Exposure to SDS did not affect the survival of adult nematodes of D. dievengatensis, while for L. marina, survival of males exposed to 0.006% SDS was significantly reduced compared to the control. Responses of the life-history traits growth, fecundity and survival did not exhibit clear trade-offs. The contrasting responses of D. dievengatensis and L. marina indicate that biologically and ecologically similar species can have remarkably distinct tolerances to stress, and that, in agreement with recent studies, rhabditid nematodes cannot a priori be considered very stress tolerant. Consequently, single species traits and phylogenetic relatedness are poor predictors of nematode responses to toxic stress posed by anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilvea Ramalho Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n. 101, CEP 05508-090, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo - SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Av. Itália, km 8, CEP: 96203-900, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, Brazil.
| | - Tom Moens
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Unit, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gustavo Fonseca
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, CEP: 11070-100, Santos - SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Mitsuo Nagata
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Oceanografia, Laboratório de Zooplâncton, Av. Itália, Km 8, CEP: 96203-900, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, Brazil
| | - Márcio Reis Custódio
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n. 101, CEP 05508-090, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Gallucci
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, CEP: 11070-100, Santos - SP, Brazil
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23
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Reyneveld GIJ, Savelkoul HFJ, Parmentier HK. Current Understanding of Natural Antibodies and Exploring the Possibilities of Modulation Using Veterinary Models. A Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2139. [PMID: 33013904 PMCID: PMC7511776 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural antibodies (NAb) are defined as germline encoded immunoglobulins found in individuals without (known) prior antigenic experience. NAb bind exogenous (e.g., bacterial) and self-components and have been found in every vertebrate species tested. NAb likely act as a first-line immune defense against infections. A large part of NAb, so called natural autoantibodies (NAAb) bind to and clear (self) neo-epitopes, apoptotic, and necrotic cells. Such self-binding antibodies cannot, however, be considered as pathogenic autoantibodies in the classical sense. IgM and IgG NAb and NAAb and their implications in health and disease are relatively well-described in humans and mice. NAb are present in veterinary (and wildlife) species, but their relation with diseases and disorders in veterinary species are much less known. Also, there is little known of IgA NAb. IgA is the most abundant immunoglobulin with essential pro-inflammatory and homeostatic properties urging for more research on the importance of IgA NAb. Since NAb in humans were indicated to fulfill important functions in health and disease, their role in health of veterinary species should be investigated more often. Furthermore, it is unknown whether levels of NAb-isotypes and/or idiotypes can and should be modulated. Veterinary species as models of choice fill in a niche between mice and (non-human) primates, and the study of NAb in veterinary species may provide valuable new insights that will likely improve health management. Below, examples of the involvement of NAb in several diseases in mostly humans are shown. Possibilities of intravenous immunoglobulin administration, targeted immunotherapy, immunization, diet, and genetic modulation are discussed, all of which could be well-studied using animal models. Arguments are given why veterinary immunology should obtain inspiration from human studies and why human immunology would benefit from veterinary models. Within the One Health concept, findings from veterinary (and wildlife) studies can be related to human studies and vice versa so that both fields will mutually benefit. This will lead to a better understanding of NAb: their origin, activation mechanisms, and their implications in health and disease, and will lead to novel health management strategies for both human and veterinary species.
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Affiliation(s)
- G IJsbrand Reyneveld
- Faculty of Science, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Huub F J Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Henk K Parmentier
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
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24
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Gibb R, Redding DW, Chin KQ, Donnelly CA, Blackburn TM, Newbold T, Jones KE. Zoonotic host diversity increases in human-dominated ecosystems. Nature 2020; 584:398-402. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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25
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Ganser C, Monadjem A, McCleery RA, Ndlela T, Wisely SM. Is it best on the nest? Effects of avian life-history on haemosporidian parasitism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:62-71. [PMID: 32884900 PMCID: PMC7452475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases vary in prevalence and pathology among host species. Species may differ in prevalence of infection due to varying exposure and susceptibility to disease agents throughout their lifetime, which may be attributable to underlying differences in their phenology, physiology and behavior. A recently growing body of literature has focused on the utility of host life-history traits to provide mechanistic explanations for interspecific variation in host-parasite associations. In this study, we utilized diverse avian and haemosporidian assemblages in an African savanna to evaluate the link between haemosporidia prevalence (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) and avian life-history traits such as body size, mating system, nest care and nest structure. We found that variation of haemosporidia prevalence was consistent with life-history traits that pertain to the reproduction of avian host. Nest care was the single most important predictor of infection status. In birds with shared and female-only nest care, the expected rates of parasitism were between 8- and 12-fold higher than in avian brood parasites that provide no nest care. This finding supports the hypothesis that parental care is an evolutionarily costly life-history trait that increases species' risk of infection with vector-borne diseases. The influence of other host traits (nest structure, body size) was less consistent suggesting that differences in the vectors’ ecology and host-seeking behavior produce variable patterns of parasitism among haemosporidia genera. Nest structure influenced infection with Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon only. Leucocytozoon infections were associated with ground-nesting birds, while Haemoproteus infections were associated with birds that build open nest structures. Body size was an important predictor of Leucocytozoon infections, particularly large-bodied birds like guineafowl and doves, which exhibited high prevalences. Variation in infection prevalence was consistent with reproductive traits in avian hosts. Avian species that invested less in nest care had lower infection rates than species with other nest care strategies. Leucocytozoon infections were high in ground-nesting birds; birds with open nests had higher Haemoproteus infections. Birds like guineafowl and doves with larger body size had more Leucocytozoon infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ganser
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini.,Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert A McCleery
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Thandeka Ndlela
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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26
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Judson JM, Reding DM, Bronikowski AM. Immunosenescence and its influence on reproduction in a long-lived vertebrate. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb223057. [PMID: 32376708 PMCID: PMC7328165 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.223057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunosenescence is a well-known phenomenon in mammal systems, but its relevance in other long-lived vertebrates is less understood. Further, the influence of age and reproductive effort on immune function in long-lived species can be challenging to assess, as long-term data are scarce and it is often difficult to sample the oldest age classes. We used the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) to test hypotheses of immunosenescence and a trade-off between reproductive output and immune function in a population of a long-lived vertebrate that has been monitored for over 30 years. These long-term data were utilized to employ a unique approach of aging turtles with mark-recapture data and population-specific growth modeling to obtain more accurate estimates of age. We analyzed natural antibodies, lysis ability and bactericidal competence in 126 individuals from 1 to 33 years of age captured during May and June 2011. Older turtles exhibited greater natural antibody levels than young individuals. Young females with large clutches exhibited greater lysis ability, while older females with large clutches had decreased lysis ability, suggesting a trade-off between reproductive output and immune function conditional upon age. However, bactericidal competence increased later in the nesting season for older females. Our study rejects the hypothesis of immunosenescence in a long-lived turtle, despite evidence of actuarial and reproductive senescence in this population. Additionally, we detected mixed evidence for a trade-off between reproduction and immune health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Judson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Dawn M Reding
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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27
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Becker DJ, Downs CJ, Martin LB. Multi-Scale Drivers of Immunological Variation and Consequences for Infectious Disease Dynamics. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:1129-1137. [PMID: 31559436 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is the primary barrier to parasite infection, replication, and transmission following exposure, and variation in immunity can accordingly manifest in heterogeneity in traits that govern population-level infectious disease dynamics. While much work in ecoimmunology has focused on individual-level determinants of host immune defense (e.g., reproductive status and body condition), an ongoing challenge remains to understand the broader evolutionary and ecological contexts of this variation (e.g., phylogenetic relatedness and landscape heterogeneity) and to connect these differences into epidemiological frameworks. Ultimately, such efforts could illuminate general principles about the drivers of host defense and improve predictions and control of infectious disease. Here, we highlight recent work that synthesizes the complex drivers of immunological variation across biological scales of organization and scales these within-host differences to population-level infection outcomes. Such studies note the limitations involved in making species-level comparisons of immune phenotypes, stress the importance of spatial scale for immunology research, showcase several statistical tools for translating within-host data into epidemiological parameters, and provide theoretical frameworks for linking within- and between-host scales of infection processes. Building from these studies, we highlight several promising avenues for continued work, including the application of machine learning tools and phylogenetically controlled meta-analyses to immunology data and quantifying the joint spatial and temporal dependencies in immune defense using range expansions as model systems. We also emphasize the use of organismal traits (e.g., host tolerance, competence, and resistance) as a way to interlink various scales of analysis. Such continued collaboration and disciplinary cross-talk among ecoimmunology, disease ecology, and mathematical modeling will facilitate an improved understanding of the multi-scale drivers and consequences of variation in host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Cynthia J Downs
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA
| | - Lynn B Martin
- Department of Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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28
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Merrill L, Stewart Merrill TE, Barger AM, Benson TJ. Avian Health across the Landscape: Nestling Immunity Covaries with Changing Landcover. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:1150-1164. [PMID: 31086961 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape composition of an organism's home range or territory should influence aspects of its condition, including measures of immune function. Changes in immunocompetence arising from variation in landcover may provide important links between habitat changes and patterns of disease spread. To establish a baseline understanding for whether immune measures covary with changes in landcover, we examined associations between immunological parameters and landcover composition for adults and nestlings of five shrubland bird species. Specifically, we examined the bacteria-killing ability (BKA) of the blood plasma and profiles of the five avian leukocytes as our measures of immune function, and assessed the proportion of area around each bird's nest that was composed of the four major landcover types in the Midwestern USA: row crop agriculture, developed, forest, and grass/shrub. We performed landcover assessments at 100 and 1000 m radius buffers to identify whether associations between habitat and immune function differed at the two spatial scales. As part of this work, we examined age and species-related immunological variation, as well as associations among the immune parameters. There was little evidence linking variation in immune function to landcover composition for the adults at either spatial scale, but there were numerous associations for nestlings, and these were stronger at the 1000 than 100 m spatial scale. The proportion of grass/shrub around the nest had the largest impact on immune function, although the effect varied by immune parameter and species. BKA and basophils were inversely associated with grass/shrub for all species, whereas lymphocytes were positively associated with grass/shrub for all species. We also documented species-level differences among adults and nestlings for BKA and all leukocytes except monocytes. As expected, we found that nestlings had reduced levels of BKA, lymphocytes, monocytes, and elevated heterophils compared with adults (except for field sparrow-Spizella pusilla-nestlings, which had higher lymphocytes). Basophils generally did not differ by age class, and eosinophils exhibited species-specific patterns, in which they were higher for nestling American robins (Turdus migratorius) and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) compared with adults, but lower in the other nestlings. Heterophils and lymphocytes were inversely associated for all species and age classes, and basophil levels were positively associated with BKA across species and age classes. Together, these findings bolster our understanding of age and species-specific variation in immune function, and provide evidence that immune measures can covary with changes in landcover.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Merrill
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, USA
| | - T E Stewart Merrill
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, USA
| | - A M Barger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61802, USA
| | - T J Benson
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61820, USA
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Downs CJ, Dochtermann NA, Ball R, Klasing KC, Martin LB. The Effects of Body Mass on Immune Cell Concentrations of Mammals. Am Nat 2020; 195:107-114. [DOI: 10.1086/706235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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30
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Merrill L, Ospina EA, Santymire RM, Benson TJ. Egg Incubation Temperature Affects Development of Innate Immune Function in Nestling American Robins (Turdus migratorius). Physiol Biochem Zool 2020; 93:1-12. [DOI: 10.1086/705361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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31
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Episodic positive diversifying selection on key immune system genes in major avian lineages. Genetica 2019; 147:337-350. [PMID: 31782071 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-019-00081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the adaptive immune system and the toll-like receptor (TLR) family of the innate immune system are involved in the detection of foreign invaders, and thus are subject to parasite-driven molecular evolution. Herein, we tested for macroevolutionary signatures of selection in these gene families within and among all three major clades of birds (Paleognathae, Galloanserae, and Neoaves). We characterized evolutionary relationships of representative immune genes (Mhc1 and Tlr2b) and a control gene (ubiquitin, Ubb), using a relatively large and phylogenetically diverse set of species with complete coding sequences (34 orthologous loci for Mhc1, 29 for Tlr2b, and 37 for Ubb). Episodic positive diversifying selection was found in the gene-wide phylogenies of the two immune genes, as well as at specific sites within each gene (8.5% of codon sites in Mhc1 and 2.7% in Tlr2b), but not in the control gene (Ubb). We found 20% of lineages under episodic diversifying selection in Mhc1 versus 9.1% in Tlr2b. For Mhc1, selection was relaxed in the Galloanserae and intensified in the Neoaves relative to the other clades, but no differences were detected among clades in the Tlr2b gene. In summary, we provide evidence of episodic positive diversifying selection in key immune genes and demonstrate differential strengths of selection within Class Aves, with the adaptive gene showing an increased divergence and evolutionary rate over the innate gene, contributing to the growing understanding of vertebrate immune gene evolution.
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Freitak D, Tammaru T, Sandre S, Meister H, Esperk T. Longer life span is associated with elevated immune activity in a seasonally polyphenic butterfly. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:653-665. [PMID: 30903723 PMCID: PMC6850579 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal polyphenism constitutes a specific type of phenotypic plasticity in which short-lived organisms produce different phenotypes in different times of the year. Seasonal generations of such species frequently differ in their overall lifespan and in the values of traits closely related to fitness. Seasonal polyphenisms provide thus excellent, albeit underused model systems for studying trade-offs between life-history traits. Here, we compare immunological parameters between the two generations of the European map butterfly (Araschnia levana), a well-known example of a seasonally polyphenic species. To reveal possible costs of immune defence, we also examine the concurrent differences in several life-history traits. Both in laboratory experiments and in the field, last instar larvae heading towards the diapause (overwintering) had higher levels of both phenoloxidase (PO) activity and lytic activity than directly developing individuals. These results suggest that individuals from the diapausing generation with much longer juvenile (pupal) period invest more in their immune system than those from the short-living directly developing generation. The revealed negative correlation between pupal mass and PO activity may be one of the reasons why, in this species, the diapausing generation has a smaller body size than the directly developing generation. Immunological parameters may thus well mediate trade-offs between body size-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalial Freitak
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesOrganismal and Evolutionary Biology Research ProgrammeHelsinkiFinland
- Division of ZoologyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Toomas Tammaru
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Siiri‐Lii Sandre
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Hendrik Meister
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Toomas Esperk
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
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Erazo D, Gottdenker NL, González C, Guhl F, Cuellar M, Kieran TJ, Glenn TC, Umaña JD, Cordovez J. Generalist host species drive Trypanosoma cruzi vector infection in oil palm plantations in the Orinoco region, Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:274. [PMID: 31138275 PMCID: PMC6540391 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil palm plantation establishment in Colombia has the potential to impact Chagas disease transmission by increasing the distribution range of Rhodnius prolixus. In fact, previous studies have reported Trypanosoma cruzi natural infection in R. prolixus captured in oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) in the Orinoco region, Colombia. The aim of this study is to understand T. cruzi infection in vectors in oil palm plantations relative to community composition and host dietary specialization by analyzing vector blood meals and comparing these results to vectors captured in a native palm tree species, Attalea butyracea. METHODS Rhodnius prolixus nymphs (n = 316) were collected from A. butyracea and E. guineensis palms in Tauramena, Casanare, Colombia. Vector blood meals from these nymphs were determined by amplifying and sequencing a vertebrate-specific 12S rRNA gene fragment. RESULTS Eighteen vertebrate species were identified and pigs (Sus scrofa) made up the highest proportion of blood meals in both habitats, followed by house mouse (Mus musculus) and opossum (Didelphis marsupialis). Individual bugs feeding only from generalist mammal species had the highest predicted vector infection rate, suggesting that generalist mammalian species are more competent hosts for T. cruzi infection . CONCLUSIONS Oil palm plantations and A. butyracea palms found in altered areas provide a similar quality habitat for R. prolixus populations in terms of blood meal availability. Both habitats showed similarities in vector infection rate and potential host species, representing a single T. cruzi transmission scenario at the introduced oil palm plantation and native Attalea palm interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Erazo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Nicole L. Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Felipe Guhl
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Monica Cuellar
- Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería Biomédica (GIB), Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Troy J. Kieran
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA
| | - Travis C. Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA
| | - Juan D. Umaña
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Juan Cordovez
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
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Downs CJ, Schoenle LA, Han BA, Harrison JF, Martin LB. Scaling of Host Competence. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:182-192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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35
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Nwaogu CJ, Cresswell W, Versteegh MA, Tieleman BI. Seasonal differences in baseline innate immune function are better explained by environment than annual cycle stage in a year-round breeding tropical songbird. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:537-553. [PMID: 30659607 PMCID: PMC6849850 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal variation in innate immunity is often attributed to either temporal environmental variation or to life‐history trade‐offs that arise from specific annual cycle stages but decoupling them is difficult in natural populations. Here, we effectively decouple seasonal environmental variation from annual cycle stage effects by exploiting cross‐seasonal breeding and moult in the tropical Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus. We test how annual cycle stage interacts with a key seasonal environmental variable, rainfall, to determine immunity at population and individual level. If immune challenge varies with precipitation, we might expect immune function to be higher in the wet season due to increased environmental productivity. If breeding or moult imposes resource constraints on birds, depending on or independent of precipitation, we might expect lower immune indices during breeding or moult. We sampled blood from 818 birds in four annual cycle stage categories: breeding, moult, simultaneous breeding and moulting, or neither. We quantified indices of innate immunity (haptoglobin, nitric oxide (NOx) and ovotransferrin concentrations, and haemagglutination and haemolysis titres) over two annual cycles of wet and dry seasons. Environment (but not annual cycle stage or interactions between both) explained variation in all immune indices, except NOx. NOx concentration differed between annual cycle stages but not between seasons. However, within the wet season, haptoglobin, NOx, ovotransferrin and haemolysis differed significantly between breeding and non‐breeding females. Aside from some recorded inconsistencies, population level results were largely similar to results within individuals that were measured repeatedly. Unexpectedly, most immune indices were higher in the dry season and during breeding. Higher immune indices may be explained if fewer or poorer quality resources force birds to increase social contact, thereby exposing individuals to novel antigens and increased infection risk, independently of environmental productivity. Breeding birds may also show higher immunity if less immune‐competent and/or infected females omit breeding. We conclude that seasonal environmental variation impacts immunity more directly in natural animal populations than via resource trade‐offs. In addition, immune indices were more often variable within than among individuals, but some indices are characteristic of individuals, and so may offer selective advantages if heritable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chima J Nwaogu
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews Fife, UK.,A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Will Cresswell
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews Fife, UK.,A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Maaike A Versteegh
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Irene Tieleman
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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36
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Minias P. Evolution of heterophil/lymphocyte ratios in response to ecological and life‐history traits: A comparative analysis across the avian tree of life. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:554-565. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and BioeducationFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of Łódź Łódź Poland
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37
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Minias P, Pikus E, Whittingham LA, Dunn PO. Evolution of Copy Number at the MHC Varies across the Avian Tree of Life. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:17-28. [PMID: 30476037 PMCID: PMC6319602 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is shaped by frequent gene duplications and deletions, which generate extensive variation in the number of loci (gene copies) between different taxa. Here, we collected estimates of copy number at the MHC for over 250 bird species from 68 families. We found contrasting patterns of copy number evolution between MHC class I and class IIB, which encode receptors for intra- and extracellular pathogens, respectively. Across the avian evolutionary tree, there was evidence of accelerated evolution and stabilizing selection acting on copy number at class I, while copy number at class IIB was primarily influenced by fluctuating selection and drift. Reconstruction of MHC copy number variation showed ancestrally low numbers of MHC loci in nonpasserines and evolution toward larger numbers of loci in passerines. Different passerine lineages had the highest duplication rates for MHC class I (Sylvioidea) and class IIB (Muscicapoidea and Passeroidea). We also found support for the correlated evolution of MHC copy number and life-history traits such as lifespan and migratory behavior. These results suggest that MHC copy number evolution in birds has been driven by life histories and differences in exposure to intra- and extracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lódz, Poland
| | - Ewa Pikus
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lódz, Poland
| | - Linda A Whittingham
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| | - Peter O Dunn
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Poland.,Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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38
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González-Barrio D, Ruiz-Fons F. Coxiella burnetii in wild mammals: A systematic review. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 66:662-671. [PMID: 30506629 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a multi-host bacterium that causes Q fever in humans, a zoonosis that is emerging worldwide. The ecology of C. burnetii in wildlife is still poorly understood and the influence of host, environmental and pathogen factors is almost unknown. This study gathers current published information on different aspects of C. burnetii infection in wildlife, even in species with high reservoir potential and a high rate of interaction with livestock and humans, in order to partially fill the existing gap and highlight future needs. Exposure and/or infection by C. burnetii has, to date, been reported in 109 wild mammal species. The limited sample size of most of the existing studies could suggest an undervalued prevalence of C. burnetii infection. Knowledge on the clinical outcome of C. burnetii infection in wildlife is also very limited, but currently includes reproductive failure in waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), roan antelope (Hippotragus niger), dama gazelle (Nanger dama) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and placentitis in the Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). The currently available serological tests need to be optimised and validated for each wildlife species. Finally, there is a huge gap in the research on C. burnetii control in wildlife, despite of the increasing evidence that wildlife is a source of C. burnetii for both livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
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39
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Fassbinder-Orth CA, Igl LD, Hahn DC, Watts KM, Wilcoxen TE, Ramos-Álvarez KR. Do Life History Traits Influence Patterns of Maternal Immune Elements in New World Blackbirds (Icteridae)? Integr Org Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/iob/oby011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Avian immunology developed originally by investigating domesticated poultry species (Galliformes), but in recent decades eco-immunological studies of wild bird species have revealed that avian immune systems are more diverse than initially assumed. This study compares six immunological elements in eggs of six species within the same family, the New World blackbirds (Icteridae),whose members differ most notably in two life history parameters, brood parasitism and body size. We measured the maternal immune investment of passive immune components in both yolk and albumen: lysozyme, ovotransferrin, and immunoglobulins (Igs), and LPS-specific Igs. We predicted that brood parasites would have higher levels of immune activity for both innate and adaptive immunity compared with non-brood parasites, and that increased body size could increase microbial exposure of larger animals, resulting in an increase in some adaptive immune responses, such as LPS-specific Igs. We found that brood parasites had significantly higher levels of Igs and lysozyme levels in albumen, but significantly lower levels of Igs in yolk compared with non-brood parasites. Igs in yolk scaled according to body size, with the smallest organisms (the brood parasites) having the lowest levels, and the largest organism (common grackle) having the highest. Our results confirm the findings of other studies of comparative immunity among species in a single taxon that (1) similarities in immune investment cannot be assumed among closely related species and (2) single measures of immune defense cannot be assumed to be indicators of a species’ overall immune strategy, as life history traits can differentially affect immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Fassbinder-Orth
- Department of Biology, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - L D Igl
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711 37th Street Southeast, Jamestown, ND 58401, USA
| | - D C Hahn
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12110 Beech Forest Road Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - K M Watts
- Department of Biology, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
- Novozymes Blair, Inc., 600 South 1st Street, Blair, NE 68008, USA
| | - T E Wilcoxen
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522, USA
| | - K R Ramos-Álvarez
- Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico, Laboratorio de Investigaciones Pesqueras, P.O. Box 3665, Marina Station, Mayagüez, PR 00681, Puerto Rico
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Shaw AK, Sherman J, Barker FK, Zuk M. Metrics matter: the effect of parasite richness, intensity and prevalence on the evolution of host migration. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.2147. [PMID: 30429312 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have long been thought to influence the evolution of migration, but precisely determining the conditions under which this occurs by quantifying costs of infection remains a challenge. Here we developed a model that demonstrates how the metric used to describe infection (richness/diversity, prevalence or intensity) shapes the prediction of whether migration will evolve. The model shows that predictions based on minimizing richness yield opposite results compared to those based on minimizing prevalence, with migration only selected for when minimizing prevalence. Consistent with these findings, empirical studies that measure parasite diversity typically find that migrants are worse off than residents, while those measuring prevalence or intensity find the opposite. Our own empirical analysis of fish parasite data finds that migrants (of all types) have higher parasite richness than residents, but with no significant difference in either prevalence or intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Shaw
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Julie Sherman
- Department of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - F Keith Barker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA.,Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Marlene Zuk
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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41
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Cronin JP, Schoolmaster DR. A causal partition of trait correlations: using graphical models to derive statistical models from theoretical language. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James Patrick Cronin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Lafayette Louisiana 70506 USA
| | - Donald R. Schoolmaster
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Lafayette Louisiana 70506 USA
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42
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Chen L, Huang ZY, Zhou S. The Allee effect in hosts can weaken the dilution effect of host diversity on parasitoid infections. Ecol Modell 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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43
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Whiting JR, Magalhaes IS, Singkam AR, Robertson S, D'Agostino D, Bradley JE, MacColl ADC. A genetics-based approach confirms immune associations with life history across multiple populations of an aquatic vertebrate (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3174-3191. [PMID: 29924437 PMCID: PMC6221044 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how wild immune variation covaries with other traits can reveal how costs and trade‐offs shape immune evolution in the wild. Divergent life history strategies may increase or alleviate immune costs, helping shape immune variation in a consistent, testable way. Contrasting hypotheses suggest that shorter life histories may alleviate costs by offsetting them against increased mortality, or increase the effect of costs if immune responses are traded off against development or reproduction. We investigated the evolutionary relationship between life history and immune responses within an island radiation of three‐spined stickleback, with discrete populations of varying life histories and parasitism. We sampled two short‐lived, two long‐lived and an anadromous population using qPCR to quantify current immune profile and RAD‐seq data to study the distribution of immune variants within our assay genes and across the genome. Short‐lived populations exhibited significantly increased expression of all assay genes, which was accompanied by a strong association with population‐level variation in local alleles and divergence in a gene that may be involved in complement pathways. In addition, divergence around the eda gene in anadromous fish is likely associated with increased inflammation. A wider analysis of 15 populations across the island revealed that immune genes across the genome show evidence of having diverged alongside life history strategies. Parasitism and reproductive investment were also important sources of variation for expression, highlighting the caution required when assaying immune responses in the wild. These results provide strong, gene‐based support for current hypotheses linking life history and immune variation across multiple populations of a vertebrate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Whiting
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | - Isabel S Magalhaes
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Abdul R Singkam
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Pendidikan Biologi JPMIPA FKIP, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia
| | - Shaun Robertson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniele D'Agostino
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Janette E Bradley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew D C MacColl
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
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Sepp T, McGraw KJ, Kaasik A, Giraudeau M. A review of urban impacts on avian life-history evolution: Does city living lead to slower pace of life? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:1452-1469. [PMID: 29168281 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of a pace-of-life syndrome describes inter- and intraspecific variation in several life-history traits along a slow-to-fast pace-of-life continuum, with long lifespans, low reproductive and metabolic rates, and elevated somatic defences at the slow end of the continuum and the opposite traits at the fast end. Pace-of-life can vary in relation to local environmental conditions (e.g. latitude, altitude), and here we propose that this variation may also occur along an anthropogenically modified environmental gradient. Based on a body of literature supporting the idea that city birds have longer lifespans, we predict that urban birds have a slower pace-of-life compared to rural birds and thus invest more in self maintenance and less in annual reproduction. Our statistical meta-analysis of two key traits related to pace-of-life, survival and breeding investment (clutch size), indicated that urban birds generally have higher survival, but smaller clutch sizes. The latter finding (smaller clutches in urban habitats) seemed to be mainly a characteristic of smaller passerines. We also reviewed urbanization studies on other traits that can be associated with pace-of-life and are related to either reproductive investment or self-maintenance. Though sample sizes were generally too small to conduct formal meta-analyses, published literature suggests that urban birds tend to produce lower-quality sexual signals and invest more in offspring care. The latter finding is in agreement with the adult survival hypothesis, proposing that higher adult survival prospects favour investment in fewer offspring per year. According to our hypothesis, differences in age structure should arise between urban and rural populations, providing a novel alternative explanation for physiological differences and earlier breeding. We encourage more research investigating how telomere dynamics, immune defences, antioxidants and oxidative damage in different tissues vary along the urbanization gradient, and suggest that applying pace-of-life framework to studies of variation in physiological traits along the urbanization gradient might be the next direction to improve our understanding of urbanization as an evolutionary process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuul Sepp
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kevin J McGraw
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ants Kaasik
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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45
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Pulgarín-R PC, Gómez JP, Robinson S, Ricklefs RE, Cadena CD. Host species, and not environment, predicts variation in blood parasite prevalence, distribution, and diversity along a humidity gradient in northern South America. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3800-3814. [PMID: 29721258 PMCID: PMC5916302 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors strongly influence the ecology and evolution of vector‐borne infectious diseases. However, our understanding of the influence of climatic variation on host–parasite interactions in tropical systems is rudimentary. We studied five species of birds and their haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) at 16 sampling sites to understand how environmental heterogeneity influences patterns of parasite prevalence, distribution, and diversity across a marked gradient in water availability in northern South America. We used molecular methods to screen for parasite infections and to identify parasite lineages. To characterize spatial heterogeneity in water availability, we used weather‐station and remotely sensed climate data. We estimated parasite prevalence while accounting for spatial autocorrelation, and used a model selection approach to determine the effect of variables related to water availability and host species on prevalence. The prevalence, distribution, and lineage diversity of haemosporidian parasites varied among localities and host species, but we found no support for the hypothesis that the prevalence and diversity of parasites increase with increasing water availability. Host species and host × climate interactions had stronger effects on infection prevalence, and parasite lineages were strongly associated with particular host species. Because climatic variables had little effect on the overall prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian parasites across study sites, our results suggest that independent host–parasite dynamics may influence patterns in parasitism in environmentally heterogeneous landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo C Pulgarín-R
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva de Vertebrados Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Los Andes Bogotá Colombia
| | - Juan P Gómez
- Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville FL USA.,Department of Biology University of Florida Gainesville FL USA.,Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory Department of Geography Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Scott Robinson
- Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville FL USA.,Department of Biology University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Robert E Ricklefs
- Department of Biology University of Missouri-St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
| | - Carlos Daniel Cadena
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva de Vertebrados Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Los Andes Bogotá Colombia
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46
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Goetz SM, Romagosa CM, Appel AG, Guyer C, Mendonça MT. Reduced innate immunity of Cuban Treefrogs at leading edge of range expansion. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018. [PMID: 29527833 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
During geographic range expansion, populations of non-indigenous species at the invasion front may benefit from directing resources away from immune defense. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the strength of two innate immune components in populations of invasive Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in a long-colonized area (core region) and at the invasion front (leading-edge region). First, we compared the region-specific metabolic response of frogs injected with an endotoxin that induces systemic inflammation (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) to sham-injected control frogs pooled from both regions. Males and females were analyzed independently because we detected a sex-related difference in mass-independent metabolism of control frogs, with males exhibiting a significantly higher metabolic rate (F1, 21 = 29.02, P < 0.001) than females. We observed a significantly higher metabolic rate in LPS-injected core frogs compared with control frogs for both males (P = 0.041) and females (P = 0.007). Conversely, in leading-edge populations, there was no significant difference in the metabolic rate of LPS-injected and control frogs (males, P = 0.195; females, P = 0.132). Second, we directly compared bacterial killing ability of frog blood plasma between regions. Bactericidal ability of plasma was significantly greater in frogs from the core region in comparison with those at the leading edge (F1, 26 = 28.67, P < 0.001). For both immune components that we examined, populations from the core exhibited stronger immune responses. Our findings support hypotheses predicting an inverse relationship between immunity and range expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Goetz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Christina M Romagosa
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Arthur G Appel
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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47
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Tieleman BI. Understanding immune function as a pace of life trait requires environmental context. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018; 72:55. [PMID: 29563662 PMCID: PMC5843675 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article provides a brief historical perspective on the integration of physiology into the concept of the pace of life of birds, evaluates the fit of immune function into this framework, and asks what it will take to fruitfully understand immune functioning of birds in pace of life studies in the future. In the late 1970s, physiology started to seriously enter avian life history ecology, with energy as the main currency of interest, inspired by David Lack's work in the preceding decades emphasizing how food availability explained life history variation. In an effort to understand the trade-off between survival and reproduction, and specifically the mortality costs associated with hard work, in the 1980s and 1990s, other physiological phenomena entered the realm of animal ecologists, including endocrinology, oxidative stress, and immunology. Reviewing studies thus far to evaluate the role of immune function in a life history context and particularly to address the questions whether immune function (1) consistently varies with life history variation among free-living bird species and (2) mediates life history trade-offs in experiments with free-living bird species; I conclude that, unlike energy metabolism, the immune system does not closely covary with life history among species nor mediates the classical trade-offs within individuals. Instead, I propose that understanding the tremendous immunological variation uncovered among free-living birds over the past 25 years requires a paradigm shift. The paradigm should shift from viewing immune function as a costly trait involved in life history trade-offs to explicitly including the benefits of the immune system and placing it firmly in an environmental and ecological context. A first step forward will be to quantify the immunobiotic pressures presented by diverse environmental circumstances that both shape and challenge the immune system of free-living animals. Current developments in the fields of infectious wildlife diseases and host-microbe interactions provide promising steps in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Irene Tieleman
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
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48
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Faust CL, Dobson AP, Gottdenker N, Bloomfield LSP, McCallum HI, Gillespie TR, Diuk-Wasser M, Plowright RK. Null expectations for disease dynamics in shrinking habitat: dilution or amplification? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0173. [PMID: 28438921 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As biodiversity declines with anthropogenic land-use change, it is increasingly important to understand how changing biodiversity affects infectious disease risk. The dilution effect hypothesis, which points to decreases in biodiversity as critical to an increase in infection risk, has received considerable attention due to the allure of a win-win scenario for conservation and human well-being. Yet some empirical data suggest that the dilution effect is not a generalizable phenomenon. We explore the response of pathogen transmission dynamics to changes in biodiversity that are driven by habitat loss using an allometrically scaled multi-host model. With this model, we show that declining habitat, and thus declining biodiversity, can lead to either increasing or decreasing infectious-disease risk, measured as endemic prevalence. Whether larger habitats, and thus greater biodiversity, lead to a decrease (dilution effect) or increase (amplification effect) in infection prevalence depends upon the pathogen transmission mode and how host competence scales with body size. Dilution effects were detected for most frequency-transmitted pathogens and amplification effects were detected for density-dependent pathogens. Amplification effects were also observed over a particular range of habitat loss in frequency-dependent pathogens when we assumed that host competence was greatest in large-bodied species. By contrast, only amplification effects were observed for density-dependent pathogens; host competency only affected the magnitude of the effect. These models can be used to guide future empirical studies of biodiversity-disease relationships across gradients of habitat loss. The type of transmission, the relationship between host competence and community assembly, the identity of hosts contributing to transmission, and how transmission scales with area are essential factors to consider when elucidating the mechanisms driving disease risk in shrinking habitat.This article is part of the themed issue 'Conservation, biodiversity and infectious disease: scientific evidence and policy implications'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Faust
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Andrew P Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Laura S P Bloomfield
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hamish I McCallum
- Environmental Futures Research Institute and Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Thomas R Gillespie
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health; Program In Population, Biology, Ecology and Evolution; Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health; Program In Population, Biology, Ecology and Evolution; Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maria Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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49
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Adriaenssens B. Bold perch live life in the fast lane. J Anim Ecol 2017; 86:176-178. [PMID: 28169448 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A schematic summary showing the links between behaviour and life-history observed by Nakayama, Rapp & Arlinghaus in wild Eurasion perch (Perca fluviatilis). [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]. In Focus: Nakayama, S., Rapp, T. & Arlinghaus, R. (2017) Fast-slow life history is correlated with individual differences in movements and prey selection in an aquatic predator in the wild. Journal of Animal Ecology, 86, 192-201. The pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis (POLS) suggests that individual behavioural variation co-evolves with life-history variation, causing individuals on a fast life-history trajectory to display more active or bold personalities than individuals following a slow trajectory. In the present study, Nakayama, Rapp & Arlinghaus () followed the detailed movement patterns of wild Eurasian perch using acoustic telemetry and studied their relationships with life-history traits inferred from scale samples. Consistent with POLS, individuals with greater reproductive effort changed more often between active and passive behavioural modes. Moreover, individuals growing fast as a juvenile stayed active longer and moved over greater distances when adult. This study shows compelling evidence for covariance between personality and pace-of-life in a natural population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Adriaenssens
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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50
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Milotic D, Milotic M, Koprivnikar J. Effects of road salt on larval amphibian susceptibility to parasitism through behavior and immunocompetence. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 189:42-49. [PMID: 28582700 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Large quantities of road salts are used for de-icing in temperate climates but often leach into aquatic ecosystems where they can cause harm to inhabitants, including reduced growth and survival. However, the implications of road salt exposure for aquatic animal susceptibility to pathogens and parasites have not yet been examined even though infectious diseases can significantly contribute to wildlife population declines. Through a field survey, we found a range of NaCl concentrations (50-560mg/L) in ponds known to contain larval amphibians, with lower levels found in sites close to gravel- rather than hard-surfaced roads. We then investigated how chronic exposure to environmentally-realistic levels of road salt (up to 1140mg/L) affected susceptibility to infection by trematode parasites (helminths) in larval stages of two amphibian species (Lithobates sylvaticus - wood frogs, and L. pipiens - northern leopard frogs) by considering effects on host anti-parasite behavior and white blood cell profiles. Wood frogs exposed to road salt had higher parasite loads, and also exhibited reduced anti-parasite behavior in these conditions. In contrast, infection intensity in northern leopard frogs had a non-monotonic response to road salts even though lymphocytes were only elevated at the highest concentration. Our results indicate the potential for chronic road salt exposure to affect larval amphibian susceptibility to pathogenic parasites through alterations of behavior and immunocompetence, with further studies needed at higher concentrations, as well as that of road salts on free-living parasite infectious stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Milotic
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marin Milotic
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Koprivnikar
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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