سامانه همایش های دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد نجف آباد

صفحه اصلی / اولین همایش بین المللی تحول خدمات سلامت: تلفیق مراقبت، درمان، بازتوانی و امیدبخشی

Leucochloridium paradoxum: Anatomy of a “Zombifying” Parasite

نویسندگان :

Negar Aliakbari¹ Mahdis Azimi² Hadis Mehrabi koshki³

1- Azad university of Najafabad 2- Azad university of Najafabad 3- Azad university of Najafabad

کلمات کلیدی :

Leucochloridium paradoxum،host behavioral manipulation،extended phenotype،trematode parasitism،Succineidae

چکیده :

Abstract Introduction One of the identified examples of host biological manipulation by parasites is the ability of a parasite to induce behavioral or even morphological changes in its host. These changes usually facilitate the transmission of the parasite to its definitive host: the intermediate host, snails of the genus Succinea, is more easily seen and preyed upon by the definitive host (birds), and the parasite eventually reaches its destination. This type of parasite, Leucochloridium paradoxum, selects only snails as intermediate hosts, since snails of the family Succineidae are the only hosts in which this parasite can complete its larval stages. Factors such as specific co-evolution and strong dependence, as well as the particular characteristics of the snail’s tentacles, allow the simultaneous manipulation of behavior and appearance. The aim of this article is to review and analyze existing studies on the biology, life cycle, host selection, and, particularly, the possible mechanisms of behavioral manipulation by Leucochloridium paradoxum in snail hosts. Subsequently, this phenomenon is examined in comparison with several other known examples of host behavioral changes caused by parasites. Such a phenomenon can also be analyzed within the framework of Richard Dawkins’ concept of the “extended phenotype.” Methods A search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify articles published in recent years concerning the parasite Leucochloridium paradoxum. The search terms included combinations of Leucochloridium paradoxum, zombification, comparison with other zombifying organisms in nature, and aggressive mimicry. This article is derived from articles published in different languages. Results Overall, host behavioral manipulation has been observed in many groups and various forms of living organisms. This indicates that the relationships between parasites and hosts extend beyond merely pathogenic interactions. This complexity results in behaviors that are distinct from the complications of disease. Conclusion Research and study of this phenomenon can clarify the relationship between the parasite, infection, as well as behavior and the nervous system. Keywords Leucochloridium paradoxum, host behavioral manipulation, extended phenotype, trematode parasitism, Succineidae