Behavioural fever in infected honeybees: parasitic manipulation or coincidental benefit?

• DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000235
• Publication Date: 2010-05-26T08:24:09Z
• Authors: JENNIFER CAMPBELL; BETH KESSLER; CHRISTOPHER MAYACK; DHRUBA NAUG
• Keywords: Nosema ceranae; Parasitic infection; Obligate parasite

SUMMARY Infection by a parasite often induces behavioural changes in the host and these may benefit either or parasite. However, whether are active defence mechanisms parasitic manipulations simply incidental byproducts of infection is not always clear. It has been suggested that understanding proximate as well comparative studies could help distinguish alternatives better. Behavioural fever common response to an many animals we investigated phenomenon novel host-parasite relationship between honeybee temperature-sensitive microsporidian Nosema ceranae . Our results show infected bees prefer higher temperatures even though this seems pathogen, mechanism underlying change pathological stress infection. Especially because it new relationship, best label observed case although does rule out selection acting on it. We discuss importance looking at outcomes relationships studying them multiple levels for their origin maintenance.