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The effects of computer-controlled shadow stimuli on the success of cercarial transmission by Cryptocotyle lingua (Digenea: Heterophyidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

J. G. Rea
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, N. Ireland
S. W. B. Irwin
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, N. Ireland

Summary

Pectoral fins from juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were used in a bioassay, the object of which was to quantify the effect of simulated shadow stimuli on the transmission success of the cercariae. For a period of 60 min, parasites and fins were exposed to a sequence of computer-controlled shadow stimuli, continuous light or total darkness, and subsequently the number of infections was counted. Trials were conducted with cercariae 1, 12 and 24 h old. Within the constraints of the experimental procedure, shadows were found to increase significantly the number of infections achieved by the 12-h-old parasites. As the cercariae aged, their ability to infect host tissue declined. The relevance of these results to transmission in the natural environment is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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