Pathophysiology ofHymenolepis diminutainfections inTenebrio molitor:effect of parasitism on haemolymph proteins

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of metacestodes ofHymenolepis diminutaon haemolymph proteins ofTenebrio molitorare restricted to female hosts. In beetles aged 15 days post-emergence, and harbouring 12-day-old metacestodes, haemolymph concentration is 46·7% higher than in non-infected animals and similar effects are found in longer standing infections. Electrophoresis of haemolymph revealed the presence of 13 bands. Densitometric analysis showed that only band 2/3 was significantly elevated in infected hosts although band 7/8 also showed an increase. These bands were also present in egg homogenates and are thought to be vitellogenins. It is therefore proposed that the excess protein found in infected beetles is a female-specific protein resulting from an interaction between the parasite and the host endocrine system.