Laser microbeam neuron ablation: a new approach in investigation chemotaxis response of nematode

Abstract

Abstract Chemotaxis is the biologically intrinsic navigation towards or away from chemical stimuli; it is a crucial behavioral response for animals when interacting with their environment. It facilitates the location of sustenance, hosts, and other vital environmental signals. While prior research has predominantly concentrated on the chemotactic behaviors of free-living and entomopathogenic nematodes in response to volatile soil constituents, the current investigation extends this understanding to parasitic nematodes. Specifically, we examine Syphacia obvelata, a member of the Oxyuridae (Nematoda) known for parasitizing the vertebrate cecum. Employing laser surgery, we selectively ablated the olfactory receptors (amphids) to ascertain the reliance of S.obvelata's chemotactic behavior solely on stimuli from these sensory structures. This research, conducted in Egypt, pioneers the adaptation of laser surgery for the targeted incapacitation of sensory receptors in parasitic nematodes. The successful ablation and subsequent behavioral alteration highlight laser microsurgery's ability to ablation minuscule receptors on a motile parasitic worm, promising a valuable tool for comprehending such intricate parasitic species behavior and offering new vistas for parasitological research and potential control strategies.