Seasonal variation of Hedruris dratini (Nematoda) parasitizing Hydromedusa tectifera (Chelidae), with focus on host's torpor state

• Published in: BMC zoology Vol. 6; no. 1; p. 10
• Main Authors: Palumbo, Ezequiel, Cassano, María Julia, Alcalde, Leandro, Diaz, Julia Inés
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central 01.05.2021; BMC
• Subjects: Amphipods; Feeding ecology; Hyalella; Life cycle; Nematods; South America; South America; Life cycle; Urban stream; Hyalella; Turtles; Nematods; Amphipods; Feeding ecology
• ISSN: 2056-3132; 2056-3132
• DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00078-6

The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal distribution of the nematode Hedruris dratini parasitizing the South American Snake-necked turtle Hydromedusa tectifera and the amphipod Hyalella spp. in an urban stream. We focused on understand which strategies parasite population displays to get through the host's hibernation period. The highest prevalence and abundance of H. dratini were found in summer. The parasitic load was lower in winter, however there were no significant differences when it was compared with autumn and spring. Generalized linear model identified the temperature as a determining factor for the presence of parasites in turtles. Our results indicate that, beside turtles enter in a diapause state, the life cycle of H. dratini never stop throughout the year, being a continuous transmission between both the intermediate and final host throughout the year. Turtles feed and become infected with parasite larvae even in winter although with a lower ingestion rate.