Bandi C, Dunn A M, Hurst G D, Rigaud T
Istituto di Patologia, Generale Veterinaria, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Trends Parasitol. 2001 Feb;17(2):88-94. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4922(00)01812-2.
Parasites show an amazing repertoire of adaptations, highlighted by complex life cycles that allow both survival in the host and transmission among hosts. However, there is one heterogeneous group of microorganisms whose adaptations are perhaps even more surprising: parthenogenesis induction, feminization of genetic males, killing of male hosts and sperm-mediated sterilization of uninfected eggs. The common feature of these microorganisms is their mode of transmission: inheritance from mother to offspring. Here, we present an introduction to hereditary symbiosis, focusing on microsporidia and bacteria that manipulate host reproduction in arthropods (reproductive parasites). We also discuss the implications of one of these microorganisms, Wolbachia, for the control of arthropod pests and vectors and for the therapy of filarial diseases. Finally, we discuss whether some parasites of vertebrates might show sex-specific virulence.
寄生虫展现出了惊人的适应性，其复杂的生命周期便是突出体现，这种生命周期使它们既能在宿主体内生存，又能在宿主之间传播。然而，有一类微生物群体，它们的适应性或许更加惊人：诱导孤雌生殖、使遗传雄性雌性化、杀死雄性宿主以及通过精子介导使未感染的卵子绝育。这些微生物的共同特征在于它们的传播方式：从母体遗传给后代。在此，我们介绍遗传性共生现象，重点关注在节肢动物中操纵宿主繁殖的微孢子虫和细菌（生殖寄生虫）。我们还讨论了其中一种微生物——沃尔巴克氏体，在控制节肢动物害虫和病媒以及治疗丝虫病方面的意义。最后，我们探讨脊椎动物的一些寄生虫是否可能表现出性别特异性毒力。
