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Arrested Development of Nematodes and some Related Phenomena

1974; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0065-308x(08)60390-5

2163-6079

J. F. Michel,

Parasites and Host Interactions

This chapter discusses arrested development in nematode parasites. It explains that many parasitic nematodes have a resting stage or stages, further development depending on the reception of some stimulus or stimuli. This pause in development at some precise point in the life cycle of the parasite occurs only in certain hosts or circumstances or at certain times of the year, and it affects only some of the roundworms. The chapter describes parasitic genera and species within nine families, more than 30 genera and many more species helping to build up as complete a general picture as is possible at the present time. The similarities and differences are discussed. Evidence for a direct effect of immunity or of size of infection on arrested development is still not convincing, although host resistance may be crucial in some systems. Another view is that arrested development serves to synchronize the life cycle of the parasite either with that of the host or else with seasonal changes in the external environment, and it implies a response to signals to halt development, to cause it to be resumed, or to serve both functions.