Meeting Abstract

P3.104  Jan. 6  Developmental effects of intestinal parasitism in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) GRINDSTAFF, J.L.*; GRANBOM, M.; ANDERSSON, K.; SMITH, H.G.; Illinois State University; Lund University; Lund University; Lund University jlgrind@ilstu.edu

Infection and illness during development can clearly negatively impact numerous aspects of an individual�s phenotype. However, the magnitude of the effect and the systems that are affected may depend on when the infection occurs. To simulate natural variation in the timing of infection, we experimentally manipulated the timing of infection with intestinal parasites in European starlings. Starlings are naturally heavily infected by intestinal parasites. In fact, young generally become infected while still in the nest. We reduced parasite intensities of some nestlings with an anthelminth treatment and then brought young into an aviary at fledging and reduced parasite intensities in another set of young. In total, some young were treated for up to six weeks after hatching and then all individuals were allowed to become naturally infected and remained in the aviary until the following spring. During development we measured growth rates, parasite intensities, antibody levels, cutaneous immune responses, molt speed, the ornamental hackle feathers of males, and dominance. The presence of antigens during ontogeny is important for immune cell development, as demonstrated by the impaired immune function of animals raised in germ-free environments. Therefore, we expect young that do not become infected until later in development to suffer more pronounced effects of infection than individuals that are infected earlier. Conversely, only in individuals that become infected very early do we expect to see effects on skeletal growth and other developmental processes that are completed before fledging.