This study experimentally evolved *Staphylococcus aureus* in wild nematode (*Caenorhabditis elegans*) populations to examine the impact of host genotype and genetic diversity on pathogen evolution. Results showed that pathogen virulence varied across host genotypes, potentially driven by differences in host metal ion acquisition. Diverse host populations selected for higher pathogen virulence but constrained infectivity, unlike monocultures. Genome sequencing revealed that pathogens selected in distantly-related host genotypes diverged more than those in closely-related genotypes, yet *S. aureus* maintained a broad host range. The findings offer insights into the evolutionary dynamics of novel infections.
Publisher
The ISME Journal
Published On
Feb 18, 2021
Authors
Alice K. E. Ekroth, Michael Gerth, Emily J. Stevens, Suzanne A. Ford, Kayla C. King
Tags
Staphylococcus aureus
Caenorhabditis elegans
pathogen evolution
host genotype
genetic diversity
virulence
metal ion acquisition
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