Cost of resistance, expressed as a delayed maturity, detected in the host–parasite system Biomphalaria glabrata/Echinostoma caproni

Abstract

Theoretical models have shown that when susceptibility to a parasite is genetically determined, polymorphism with regard to susceptibility can only be maintained by costs associated with resistance. However, an apparent resistance, or nonsusceptibility, may result from a lack of adaptation of the parasite, which does not imply any costs for the host. In this study, we analysed whether susceptibility was genetically determined in the Biomphalaria glabrata/Echinostoma caproni system, and we investigated the existence of costs associated with nonsusceptibility. Results showed that nonsusceptibility of B. glabrata to E. caproni was genetically determined and could be strongly selected for through generations. Furthermore, analysis of age at maturity among offspring segregating for susceptibility revealed that nonsusceptible individuals reached maturity later than susceptible ones. The delay in maturity is statistically significant and reflects a cost associated with resistance.

Using experimental evolution to explore natural patterns between bacterial motility and resistance to bacteriophages

“…Understanding these potential costs will be key as phage therapy becomes a more common method for controlling pathogenic bacterial populations (Goodridge, 2004;Levin and Bull, 2004). More generally, these results add to a growing body of work across a range of taxa that points to the wide range of host fitness traits correlated with pathogen resistance (Boots and Begon, 1993;Ferdig et al, 1993;Fellowes et al, 1998;Langand et al, 1998;Williams et al, 1999;Yourth et al, 2002;Lythgoe and Chao, 2003;Sanders et al, 2005;Zhong et al, 2005;Buckling et al, 2006;Morgan et al, 2009). This method of combining natural observations with laboratory selection experiments shows promise in furthering our understanding of the importance of phages, and other selective pressures, as drivers of bacterial evolution and diversity in natural environments.…”

Effect of Echinostoma friedi (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) experimental infection on longevity, growth and fecundity of juvenile Radix peregra (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) and Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) snails

“…Despite all the works about Schistosoma or Fasciola effects of infection over the snail hosts, the case of echinostomes has received little attention (Christensen et al 1980;Kuris 1980;Jourdane 1983;Langand et al 1998;Minchella 1998, 2001;Schmidt et al 1998).…”

Parasitism in the social bee Apis mellifera: quantifying costs and benefits of behavioral resistance to Varroa destructor mites

“…Resistance is an adaptive response of the host, the goal of which is to actively counteract the parasite's development. Contrary to unsuitability, resistance implies a cost for the host (Frank, 1992;Langand et al, 1998). In turn, "tolerance" is the acceptance of damage due to parasites (Jokela et al, 2000).…”