Description of Binucleospora elongata gen. et sp. nov. (microspora, caudosporidae), a microsporidian parasite of ostracods of the genus Candona (crustacea, cyprididae) in Sweden

Bronnvall, Annika M.; Larsson, J.I. Ronny

doi:10.1016/s0932-4739(11)80358-5

Cited by 10 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…However, the attempts to transmit it to other populations failed, which indicates local adaptation, but might also result from the need for an additional host species to complete the life cycle. Microsporidian infections are otherwise common in freshwater crustaceans (Terry et al ., 2004), and have also been reported in other species of ostracods (Bronnvall & Larsson, 1995). Vertically transmitted microsporidians are often responsible for feminization and sex‐ratio distortion (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Few parasites, and no evidence for Wolbachia infections, in a freshwater ostracod inhabiting temporary ponds

Bruvo

Adolfsson

Symonová

et al. 2010

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society

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Biological systems with asexual reproduction have often attracted research on parasites and host immune defence, because parasites are expected to be better able to exploit genetically less diverse populations. In addition, maternally inherited parasitic microorganisms such as Wolbachia can directly alter the reproductive systems of their hosts and induce parthenogenesis. In the freshwater ostracod Eucypris virens, both sexual and asexual reproduction is known, and we speculated that parasite pressures might help to explain their co-existence. This species complex inhabits shallow, often eutrophic temporary water bodies, conditions that should provide ample opportunities for parasite infections. We surveyed natural populations of E. virens throughout its Europe-wide range for natural parasites, and particularly tested for the presence of intracellular Wolbachia bacteria. Surprisingly, the results indicate that very few E. virens populations support parasite infections. We also found no evidence for the presence of Wolbachia in the populations screened. The results therefore show that parasitic infections do not play a role in the maintenance of sex in this system.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 63%