DAO:Advance View - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03195
Pathogens of Dikerogammarus haemobaphes regulate host activity and survival, but also threaten native amphipod populations in the UK
Jamie Bojko1,2, Grant D. Stentiford2,3, Paul D. Stebbing4, Chris Hassall1, Alice Deacon1, Benjamin Cargill1, Benjamin Pile1, Alison M. Dunn1,*
ABSTRACT: Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is a non-native amphipod in UK freshwaters. Studies have identified this species as a low-impact invader in the UK, relative to its cousin Dikerogammarus villosus. It has been suggested that regulation by symbionts (such as Microsporidia) could explain this difference in impact. The effect of parasitism on D. haemobaphes is largely unknown. This was explored herein using 2 behavioural assays measuring activity and aggregation. First, D. haemobaphes were screened histologically post-assay, identifying 2 novel viruses (D. haemobaphes bi-facies-like virus [DhbflV], D. haemobaphes bacilliform virus [DhBV]), Cucumispora ornata (Microsporidia), Apicomplexa, and Digenea, which could alter host behaviour. DhBV infection burden increased host activity, and C. ornata infection reduced host activity. Second, native invertebrates were collected from the invasion site at Carlton Brook, UK, and tested for the presence of C. ornata. PCR screening identified that Gammarus pulex and other native invertebrates were positive for C. ornata. The host range of this parasite, and its impact on host survival, was additionally explored using D. haemobaphes, D. villosus, and G. pulex in a laboratory trial. D. haemobaphes and G. pulex became infected by C. ornata, which also lowered survival rate. D. villosus did not become infected. A PCR protocol for DhbflV was also applied to D. haemobaphes after the survival trial, associating this virus with decreased host survival. In conclusion, D. haemobaphes has a complex relationship with parasites in the UK environment. C. ornata likely regulates populations by decreasing host survival and activity, but despite this benefit, the parasite threatens susceptible native wildlife.
KEY WORDS: Cucumispora · Population regulation · Behaviour · Pathogen profile · Virus · Wildlife pathogen · Emerging disease
Full text in pdf format  Supplementary material | Cite this article as: Bojko J, Stentiford GD, Stebbing PD, Hassall C, Deacon A, Cargill B, Pile B, Dunn AM (2018) Pathogens of Dikerogammarus haemobaphes regulate host activity and survival, but also threaten native amphipod populations in the UK. Dis Aquat Org https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03195 Export citation Mail this link - Contents Mailing Lists - RSS - Tweet - |