Andersen P S, Buchmann K
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
J Helminthol. 1998 Mar;72(1):9-14. doi: 10.1017/s0022149x00000900.
Rainbow trout were experimentally infected with the ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus derjavini at three temperatures, 5.5 degrees C, 11.6 degrees C and 18.7 degrees C. Subsequently, the infection level was monitored during the following 6 weeks. The population growth was positively correlated with temperature in the initial part of the investigation. At 18.7 degrees C growth of the parasite population was fast reaching a peak abundance within 3 weeks, whereafter the infection level decreased significantly. Peak abundance was recorded in week 5 at 11.6 degrees C. A very slow but steady parasite reproduction was noted at 5.5 degrees C, but no peak abundance was reached within 6 weeks. The decline in parasite population after reaching peak levels is likely to be caused by a host response. The host response is also indicated by the parasites' active selection of particular microhabitats. This anti-monogenean response developed fastest at 18.7 degrees C, more slowly at 11.6 degrees C and was not recorded within 6 weeks at 5.5 degrees C.
