logo
ResearchBunny Logo
Host genotype and genetic diversity shape the evolution of a novel bacterial infection

Biology

Host genotype and genetic diversity shape the evolution of a novel bacterial infection

A. K. E. Ekroth, M. Gerth, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Alice K. E. Ekroth and colleagues explores how the genetic diversity of host nematodes influences the evolution of *Staphylococcus aureus*. By examining pathogen virulence across different host genotypes, the team unveils intriguing insights into the dynamics of novel infections.

00:00
00:00
Playback language: English
Abstract
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
Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny