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Home / Equine Research Bank / Parasit Vectors / Equine strongyle communities are constrained by horse sex an...
Parasites & vectors2018; 11(1); 279; doi: 10.1186/s13071-018-2858-9

Equine strongyle communities are constrained by horse sex and species dipersal-fecundity trade-off.

Abstract: Equine strongyles are a major health issue. Large strongyles can cause death of horses while cyathostomins (small strongyles) have shown increased resistance to anthelmintics worldwide. Description of strongyle communities have accumulated but little is known about the diversity of these communities and underpinning environmental factors. Strongyles were recovered after ivermectin treatment from 48 horses located in six premises in Poland. Correlation between previously published species fecundity and the observed relative abundance and prevalence were estimated. Significance of horse sex was determined at the species level (prevalence, relative abundance) and at the community level (species richness and dissimilarity between communities). Strongyle species fell into two groups, contrasted by their prevalence and relative abundance. Six to nine horses were necessary to sample at least 90% of strongyle community diversity, providing a minimal cut-off to implement sampling trial in the field. Strongyle communities entertained a network of mostly positive interactions and species co-occurrence was found more often than expected by chance. In addition, species fecundity and prevalence were negatively correlated (Pearson's r = -0.71), suggesting functional trade-offs between species dispersal abilities and fecundity. This functional trade-off may underpin species coexistence. Horse sex was also a significant constraint shaping strongyle communities. Indeed, mares generally displayed more similar strongyle communities than stallions (P = 0.003) and Cylicostephanus calicatus was more abundant in stallions suggesting sex-specific interactions (P = 0.006). While niche partitioning is likely to explain some of the positive interactions between equine strongyle species, coexistence may also result from a functional trade-off between dispersal ability and fecundity. There is significant evidence that horse sex drives strongylid community structure, which may require differential control strategies between mares and stallions.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-02 PubMed ID: 29716644PubMed Central: PMC5930759DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2858-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article examines strongyles, a type of internal parasite in horses, analyzing how their communities are influenced by horse gender and the species’ ability to disperse and reproduce. The authors collected their data from 48 horses in Poland and used it to gain insights on the underpinnings of strongyle communities.

Study Methodology

  • The authors collected strongyles from 48 horses treated with ivermectin, spread across six premises in Poland.
  • They made statistical correlative evaluations between existing data on species fecundity (reproductive capacity) and the observed relative abundance and prevalence of strongyle species.
  • The relevance of horse sex on the prevalence and relative abundance of strongyles was evaluated, as well as its effect on species richness and diversity within communities.
  • The authors also examined the interactions between different strongyle species to understand their coexistence.

Research Findings

  • The researchers discovered that strongyle species fall into two groups – one group is characterized by high prevalence and relative abundance compared to the other.
  • Six to nine horses provided enough diversity of sample to represent at least 90% of the strongyle community, creating a basis for sample size in future field sampling efforts.
  • The study found that there’s a network of primarily positive interactions within strongyle communities. Species coexistence was found more frequently than chance would predict.
  • A negative correlation was found between fecundity and prevalence. This suggested that there are functional trade-offs between a species’ ability to spread and its ability to reproduce (fecundity). This trade-off could underpin species coexistence.
  • Horse sex had a significant impact on the composition of strongyle communities. Notably, mares had similar strongyle communities when compared to stallions. More, Cylicostephanus calicatus was found to be more abundant in stallions, pointing towards sex-specific interactions.

Implications of the Study

  • This research provides valuable insights into the composition and interactions that exist within strongyle communities. Understanding these dynamics can inform effective strategies for controlling these parasite communities.
  • The finding that sex-specific differences exist in strongyle communities indicates that different control strategies may be necessary for mares and stallions.
  • The authors suggest that niche partitioning and functional trade-offs between a parasite’s ability to spread and reproduce likely play a significant role in species coexistence. Still, further research might be needed for definitive conclusions on these dynamics.

Cite This Article

APA
Sallé G, Kornaś S, Basiaga M. (2018). Equine strongyle communities are constrained by horse sex and species dipersal-fecundity trade-off. Parasit Vectors, 11(1), 279. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2858-9

Publication

Parasites & vectors
ISSN: 1756-3305
NlmUniqueID: 101462774
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 279
PII: 279

Researcher Affiliations

Sallé, Guillaume
  • UMR1282 INRA/Université de Tours Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380, Nouzilly, France. Guillaume.Salle@inra.fr.
Kornaś, Sławomir
  • Department of Environmental Zoology, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
Basiaga, Marta
  • Department of Environmental Zoology, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Biodiversity
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Strongylida Infections / drug therapy
  • Strongylida Infections / parasitology
  • Strongylida Infections / veterinary
  • Strongyloidea / isolation & purification
  • Strongyloidea / physiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE: Not applicable. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
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