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The life history of the gastropod ThyonicolaAmericana Tikasingh, endoparasitic in a seasonally eviscerating holothurian host
Title
The life history of the gastropod ThyonicolaAmericana Tikasingh, endoparasitic in a seasonally eviscerating holothurian host.
Creator
Byrne, M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued
1985
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007081
Subject Headings
Parasitic gastropods, Holothurians, Sea cucumbers, Autotomy, Host-parasite relationships
Format
Document (PDF)
SINGING FROGS, WORMY INTERLOPERS, AND HUNGRY CANNIBALS: AN INVESTIGATION OF COMPLEX LIFE CYCLES AND MULTI HOSTPARASITE INTERACTIONS
Title
SINGING FROGS, WORMY INTERLOPERS, AND HUNGRY CANNIBALS: AN INVESTIGATION OF COMPLEX LIFE CYCLES AND MULTI HOSTPARASITE INTERACTIONS.
Creator
Goodnight, Sarah R., McCoy, Michael W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Complex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To...
Show moreComplex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To examine how parasite life history and host ecology influence parasite genetic patterns, I characterized the genetic diversity of within-host infrapopulations, as well as overall population genetic structure, of sympatric tongueworm and lungworm populations. Infection load and genetic diversity of host-level parasite infrapopulations increased with host trophic level, highlighting the benefits of trophic transfer and multihost life cycles. Concurrently, first intermediate host population dynamics and dispersal ability played a role in predicting population-level parasite genetic diversity and structure.
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Date Issued
2023
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014250
Subject Headings
Host-Parasite Interactions, Parasites--Life cycles, Parasites--Genetics, Cannibalism in animals
Format
Document (PDF)
Mechanisms of placental dysfunction during Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy
Title
Mechanisms of placental dysfunction during Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy.
Creator
Goldberg, Valentina, Oleinikov, Andrew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Abstract/Description
Placental malaria infection, during which infected red blood cells sequester in the placenta, is a substantial cause of pregnancy-related complications in areas where malaria is endemic. Accumulation of infected red blood cells creates an inflammatory environment and induces an immune response that can be deleterious to the placenta. This response can cause complications that include low birth weight, which is a major risk factor for neonatal and infant death. A decrease in the megalin...
Show morePlacental malaria infection, during which infected red blood cells sequester in the placenta, is a substantial cause of pregnancy-related complications in areas where malaria is endemic. Accumulation of infected red blood cells creates an inflammatory environment and induces an immune response that can be deleterious to the placenta. This response can cause complications that include low birth weight, which is a major risk factor for neonatal and infant death. A decrease in the megalin transport and signaling system has been demonstrated to be linked with placental malaria infection and to be connected with low birth weight pathology. In this study we analyze the abundance of a protein related to megalin, LRP1 (LDL receptor related protein 1) in pregnancy malaria. Protein expression was analyzed in placental tissue samples by immunofluorescence staining. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the expression of LRP1 in placental samples of patients stratified by presence of placental malaria infection and infants born with low birth weight. Findings were supported using an in vitro cell model of placental syncytial trophoblast during malarial infection. In this model BeWo cell line was incubated with erythrocytes infected with malaria parasite CS2 line that is known for binding to malaria placental receptor. LRP1 expression in BeWo cells was analyzed by immunostaining and Western Blot, and a reduction was found by both methods. Analysis of LRP1 mRNA levels by RT-qPCR revealed no difference compared to control samples, indicating that changes happen at the protein level.
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Date Issued
2019
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013375
Subject Headings
Plasmodium falciparum, Placenta, Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic, Malaria
Format
Document (PDF)
SENSORY BASIS OF HOST LOCATION BY THE PEARLFISH, CARAPUS BERMUDENSIS (JONES)
Title
THE SENSORY BASIS OF HOST LOCATION BY THE PEARLFISH, CARAPUS BERMUDENSIS (JONES).
Creator
VAN METER, VICTORIA BROOK., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description
This study was designed to determine the sensory basis of host location by the pearlfish, Carapus bermudensis (Jones). Forty-eight hour aquaria observations and examination of stomach contents revealed that pearlfish emerge, probably nightly, shortly after dark and feed on small crustaceans. Experiments in a two-way choice apparatus demonstrate that pearlfish locate the host holothurian, Actinopyga agassizi (Selenka), by olfaction. Vision and rheotaxis are not used as alternative methods of'...
Show moreThis study was designed to determine the sensory basis of host location by the pearlfish, Carapus bermudensis (Jones). Forty-eight hour aquaria observations and examination of stomach contents revealed that pearlfish emerge, probably nightly, shortly after dark and feed on small crustaceans. Experiments in a two-way choice apparatus demonstrate that pearlfish locate the host holothurian, Actinopyga agassizi (Selenka), by olfaction. Vision and rheotaxis are not used as alternative methods of' host location or in conjunction with olfaction. These findings are analyzed in terms of the present knowledge of sensory competence in fish.
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Date Issued
1974
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13628
Subject Headings
Carapidae, Sea cucumbers, Host-parasite relationships
Format
Document (PDF)
Nest architecture and social parasites of the pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni
Title
Nest architecture and social parasites of the pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni.
Creator
Quach, Phuc., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
The pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni, is one of the most common and conspicuous ants of open, sandy habitats in the southeastern US. To examine the architecture of D. bureni nests in different habitats, I made wax casts of the subterranean tunnels and chambers of nests in a disturbed college campus site (n=3) and a relatively undisturbed greenway preserve site (n=5). Nests of pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni, consist of two basic units : horizontal chambers and descending shafts connecting them....
Show moreThe pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni, is one of the most common and conspicuous ants of open, sandy habitats in the southeastern US. To examine the architecture of D. bureni nests in different habitats, I made wax casts of the subterranean tunnels and chambers of nests in a disturbed college campus site (n=3) and a relatively undisturbed greenway preserve site (n=5). Nests of pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni, consist of two basic units : horizontal chambers and descending shafts connecting them. Chambers near the surface are tunnel-like with branches arranged in a nexus, while deeper chambers were more compact in outline. Chamber height is more or less constant, but chamber shape becomes more complex and lobed in characteristic ways as chambers enlarge. Nests have a top-heavy distribution of chamber area at all sizes because chambers are larger and closer together in the upper nest regions.
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Date Issued
2012
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359322
Subject Headings
Ants, Nests, Insect societies, Insects, Behavior, Parasites, Behavior, Host-parasite relationships
Format
Document (PDF)
Gelatinous zooplankton net-collected in the Gulf of Maine and adjacent submarine canyons: newspecies, new family (Jeanboilloniidae), taxonomic remarks and some parasites
Title
Gelatinous zooplankton net-collected in the Gulf of Maine and adjacent submarine canyons: newspecies, new family (Jeanboilloniidae), taxonomic remarks and some parasites.
Creator
Pages, F., Flood, P. R., Youngbluth, Marsh J.
Date Issued
2006
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007158
Subject Headings
Maine, Gulf of, Zooplankton, Siphonophores, Hydrozoa, Species, Taxonomy (Biology), Parasites
Format
Document (PDF)
EFFECTS OF HOST POPULATION FRAGMENTATION AND ISOLATION ON THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF AN OBLIGATE ENDOPARASIT
Title
EFFECTS OF HOST POPULATION FRAGMENTATION AND ISOLATION ON THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF AN OBLIGATE ENDOPARASIT.
Creator
Maggio, Garrett J., McCoy, Michael W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Pleurogonius malaclemys is a digenean trematode with a life cycle that begins in Ilyanassa obsoleta as a first and second intermediate host and Malaclemys terrapin as a definitive host. The fluke matures and reproduces within terrapins and, therefore, relies on terrapins for dispersal. Thus, we hypothesized that the genetic structure of flukes would reflect contemporary changes in the connectivity of terrapin populations. Flukes were sampled by dissecting mudsnails collected from eight sites...
Show morePleurogonius malaclemys is a digenean trematode with a life cycle that begins in Ilyanassa obsoleta as a first and second intermediate host and Malaclemys terrapin as a definitive host. The fluke matures and reproduces within terrapins and, therefore, relies on terrapins for dispersal. Thus, we hypothesized that the genetic structure of flukes would reflect contemporary changes in the connectivity of terrapin populations. Flukes were sampled by dissecting mudsnails collected from eight sites along the eastern United States. Following amplification of the COI mitochondrial marker, 21 haplotypes were identified and a high degree of structure was detected. We propose that this suggests the parasite could serve as a tool for monitoring terrapin populations. This study sets a foundation for the genetic diversity of the fluke, and provides a first step towards developing the species as a proxy for studying terrapin population size, connectivity, and health, which may help conserve both species.
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Date Issued
2023
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014214
Subject Headings
Trematoda, Endoparasitic flukes, Terrapins, Host-parasite relationships
Format
Document (PDF)
A Survey of Gopherus polyphemus Intestinal Parasites in South Florida
Title
A Survey of Gopherus polyphemus Intestinal Parasites in South Florida.
Creator
Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Gopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor management of habitats. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite evidence these pathogens may pose health risks. This study provides a baseline of gopher tortoise endoparasites across South Florida and reports on how varying environmental...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor management of habitats. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite evidence these pathogens may pose health risks. This study provides a baseline of gopher tortoise endoparasites across South Florida and reports on how varying environmental and tortoise characteristics may affect endoparasite species prevalence, approximate loads, and overall distributions. Tortoise fecal samples were taken from five differing SF habitats. Seven species of intestinal parasites were discovered from 123 tortoises. Identified parasites include endo-helminths such as cyathostomes, pinworms, ascarids, flukes, and protozoans including Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Amoeba species. Significant differences in parasite prevalence and loads were seen between sampling years, seasons, size classes, and sites, however, overall parasite distributions suggest parasitism remains relatively ubiquitous throughout most host and site characteristics.
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Date Issued
2017
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005933
Subject Headings
Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Gopherus polyphemus, Gopher tortoise., Parasites., Florida.
Format
Document (PDF)
Effects of parasitism on the reproduction of common snook
Title
Effects of parasitism on the reproduction of common snook.
Creator
Young, Joy M., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
The effect of parasitism on the individual, and on a population, is one of the least understood and poorly studied areas of fish ecology. Parasites compete for maternal energetic reserves required for the production of viable eggs and offspring; thus parasites can directly influence population dynamics by lowering the number of offspring that survive to produce. The goal of this work was to explore the effect of parasitism on the reproductive potential of fish. Traditional measures of somatic...
Show moreThe effect of parasitism on the individual, and on a population, is one of the least understood and poorly studied areas of fish ecology. Parasites compete for maternal energetic reserves required for the production of viable eggs and offspring; thus parasites can directly influence population dynamics by lowering the number of offspring that survive to produce. The goal of this work was to explore the effect of parasitism on the reproductive potential of fish. Traditional measures of somatic energy reserves and body condition were examined along with newer measures of fatty acids present in eggs to approximate reproductive potential. Eighty female common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, were collected during spawning season (mid April to mid October) from four spawning aggregations along the southeastern coast of Florida and examined for a suite of biological, reproductive, and parasite infection measures. General linear models were used to model somatic indices, body condition, fatty acid composition and the ratios of fatty acids in eggs as a function of parasite infection parameters, host age, capture location, capture month and year. All fish were included in the somatic indices and body condition analysis while a subset of 40 fish were used in the analysis on fatty acid composition and the ratios of fatty acids in eggs.
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Date Issued
2015
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004424, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004424
Subject Headings
Aquaculture -- Environmental aspects, Centropomus undecimalis -- Physiology, Fish culture -- Health aspects, Fishes -- Ecophysiology, Parasitism, Snook -- Development, Snook -- Physiology
Format
Document (PDF)