Systemic inflammation impairs recovery from hookworm-associated anemia in a wild marine mammal host.

ABSTRACT: Inflammation is a critical defense against pathogens but can impair iron metabolism and erythropoiesis, potentially causing or exacerbating anemia during infection. However, the ecological and evolutionary relevance of this trade-off remains poorly understood. Naturally co-evolved host-parasite systems offer a unique opportunity to explore how inflammatory responses balance the benefits of pathogen control against potential physiological costs. We examined how systemic inflammation affects recovery from hookworm-associated anemia in South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) pups, aiming to determine whether inflammation facilitates recovery or imposes hematological constraints. We longitudinally monitored 83 pups over approximately 3 months on Guafo Island, Northern Chilean

SUBMITTER: Zaitseva V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12643882 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature