The genotypic structure of a multi-host bumblebee parasite suggests a role for ecological niche overlap.

ABSTRACT: The genotypic structure of parasite populations is an important determinant of ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-parasite interactions with consequences for pest management and disease control. Genotypic structure is especially interesting where multiple hosts co-exist and share parasites. We here analyze the natural genotypic distribution of Crithidia bombi, a trypanosomatid parasite of bumblebees (Bombus spp.), in two ecologically different habitats over a time period of three years. Using an algorithm to reconstruct genotypes in cases of multiple infections, and combining these with directly identified genotypes from single infections, we find a striking diversity of infection for both data sets, with almost all multi-locus genotypes being unique, and are inferring that aroun

SUBMITTER: Salathe RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3154203 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature