The control of morph development in the parasitic nematodeStrongyloides ratti

• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2000.1249
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T23:55:43Z
• Authors: S. C Harvey; A. W Gemmill; A. F Read; M. E Viney
• Keywords: Strongyloides; Strongyloidiasis; Immune status; Developmental stage; Host Specificity

The parasitic nematode Strongyloides ratti has a complex life cycle. progeny of the females can develop into three distinct morphs, namely directly developing infective third-stage larvae (iL3s), free-living adult males and females. We have analysed effect host immune status (an intra-host factor), environmental temperature extra-host factor) their interaction on proportion that these morphs. results are consistent with developmental decision being controlled by at least two discrete switches. One is sex-determination event affected other switch between alternative female morphs both temperature. These findings clarify basis cycle S. demonstrate how such cycles result from combination simple