Virulence evolution in a host-parasite system in the absence of viral evolution.

ABSTRACT:

Question

How does virulence evolve in the Drosophila melanogaster/sigma virus (DMelSV) system?

Organisms

Drosophila melanogaster (host) and DMelSV (parasite).

Empirical methods

Artificial selection on whole-carcass viral titre of infected flies, including two selection regimes (maternal and biparental transmission) and three treatments within each regime (increased titre, decreased titre, and control). The maternal transmission selection regime lasted for six generations, while the biparental transmission selection regime lasted for twelve generations. We further quantified virulence by estimating the fecundity, viability, and development time of infected flies. Finally, we sequenced virus strains at the end of selection.

Predictions and conclusions</

SUBMITTER: Brusini J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5315458 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature