Host inflammatory response governs fitness in an avian ectoparasite, the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum)

Owen, Jeb P.; Delany, Mary E.; Cardona, Carol J.; Bickford, A. A.; Mullens, Bradley A.

doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.12.008

Cited by 75 publications

(72 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…The significantly increased levels of both heterozygosity and allelic richness found in hybrid robins potentially reflect increased genetic diversity at MHC loci. This in turn could explain the stronger response to a novel antigen in the genetically more diverse hybrids (see also [64][65][66]). Several studies have also found evidence for a positive correlation between immunocompetence and survival (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors

et al. 2013

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Populations forced through bottlenecks typically lose genetic variation and exhibit inbreeding depression. 'Genetic rescue' techniques that introduce individuals from outbred populations can be highly effective in reversing the deleterious effects of inbreeding, but have limited application for the majority of endangered species, which survive only in a few bottlenecked populations. We tested the effectiveness of using highly inbred populations as donors to rescue two isolated and bottlenecked populations of the South Island robin (Petroica australis). Reciprocal translocations significantly increased heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Increased genetic diversity was accompanied by increased juvenile survival and recruitment, sperm quality, and immunocompetence of hybrid individuals (crosses between the two populations) compared with inbred control individuals (crosses within each population). Our results confirm that the implementation of 'genetic rescue' using bottlenecked populations as donors provides a way of preserving endangered species and restoring their viability when outbred donor populations no longer exist.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors

et al. 2013

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“…The intense infl ammatory response of domestic chickens to the bites of the Northern Fowl Mite Ornithonyssus sylviarum increases the thickness of the host's skin and hence the distance between the mites' mouthparts and the bird's blood supply, reducing growth and reproductive rate of the mites (Owen et al 2009 ). Davids ( 1973 ) noted that when larvae of the water mite Hydrachna conjecta bite backswimmers (Notonectidae) that are not their normal host, the bug's haemolymph reacts so strongly to the saliva that the mites' mouthparts are obstructed, they cannot feed and soon die.…”

Section: Physiological Defences Against Mitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animals as Habitats

Walter

Proctor

2013

Mites: Ecology, Evolution &Amp; Behaviour

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To most non-biologists, a 'mite' is an almost invisible creature that lives in the carpet and gives you asthma or that burrows in your skin to produce socially unacceptable scabies. Cat owners may curse the ear mites that infest their pets and those who know that ticks are mites may mention Lyme Disease. Such medically important associations between mites and mammals are discussed in most parasitology texts, and mites associated with human diseases are discussed in our Chap. 10 ; therefore, in this chapter we cover ticks and other human-and livestock-associated mites superfi cially, concentrating instead on lesser known relationships between mites and the animals they use for room and board. These associations are not always negative; in fact, many seemingly parasitic mites have no impact on their hosts or may even be benefi cial (see section " Mutualism ", below).One of the recurring themes of this book is that mites live in the most astonishing places. This is particularly apparent among animal-associated acarines. A complete list of associations between mites and other animals would occupy an entire book but to whet the reader's appetite we have provided Table 9.1 , where we list the associations that acarologists use to shock jaded students or to start conversations at dull parties. After perusing this list many will be compelled to exclaim, 'What's a mite doing there?' or 'How did a mite get there?'. The fi rst question is a proximate one -what is the ecology of the symbiotic mite? -and the second an ultimate one -what evolutionary history and selective pressures have resulted in this association? In the fi rst section of this chapter we discuss the ecological terminology dealing with symbiosis and then outline some major hypotheses about how different symbioses may evolve. The next two sections discuss the life histories and behaviour of mites associated with invertebrates and vertebrates respectively and the fourth section surveys the diverse effects that parasitic mites have on their hosts. Finally, the last section addresses the topic of coevolution between hosts and symbionts from an acarine point of view.

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“…We pay particular attention to possible anti-parasite features of the plumage itself, as well as various forms of anti-parasite behavior. Although the immune system also plays an important role in defense against some ectoparasites, such as bloodfeeding mites [1], we do not cover immune defenses in this review. Instead, we refer readers to other papers in this volume, and recent reviews of immunology published elsewhere, e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Birds Combat Ectoparasites

Clayton¹,

Koop²,

Harbison³

et al. 2010

TOOENIJ

222

211

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Birds are plagued by an impressive diversity of ectoparasites, ranging from feather-feeding lice, to featherdegrading bacteria. Many of these ectoparasites have severe negative effects on host fitness. It is therefore not surprising that selection on birds has favored a variety of possible adaptations for dealing with ectoparasites. The functional significance of some of these defenses has been well documented. Others have barely been studied, much less tested rigorously. In this article we review the evidence -or lack thereof -for many of the purported mechanisms birds have for dealing with ectoparasites. We concentrate on features of the plumage and its components, as well as anti-parasite behaviors. In some cases, we present original data from our own recent work. We make recommendations for future studies that could improve our understanding of this poorly known aspect of avian biology.

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Host inflammatory response governs fitness in an avian ectoparasite, the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum)

Cited by 75 publications

References 42 publications

The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors

The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors

Animals as Habitats

How Birds Combat Ectoparasites

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