Unlocking the Mystery: The Understudied World of Parasites
In the fall of 1985, Scott L. Gardner found himself in a peculiar situation – standing over his toilet bowl, using a chopstick to sift through the squishy output of his bowels. This unusual activity was a result of his recent return from a three-month expedition to Bolivia, where he had been studying parasites in wild mammals. Gardner’s field site near Trinidad was basic, with portable microscopes, preserved specimens, and a local pig as his only companion.
Despite feeling healthy, Gardner decided to check himself for parasites, much like one would look for ticks after a hike. To his surprise, he discovered clusters of tiny, light-yellow eggs in his fecal sample when he examined it under a microscope. It turned out he had contracted Ascaris, a pencil-thin parasitic worm that affects around one billion people globally, with most cases concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. After receiving treatment and taking an antiparasitic pill, Gardner was relieved to pass out the 12-inch parasite the next morning.
This experience sparked Gardner’s interest in parasites, leading him to curate the Manter Laboratory of Parasitology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the past three decades. The lab houses the world’s largest university collection of parasites, with around 170,000 cataloged vials, microscope slides, and jars of various creepy crawlies. Each item in the collection can contain thousands of specimens, bringing the total closer to 17 million, thanks to donations from researchers worldwide.
### The Diversity and Importance of Parasites
Parasites are incredibly diverse and play essential roles in ecosystems, despite being understudied. They have evolved to thrive in almost every animal and environment on Earth, regulating host species populations and influencing their co-evolution over generations. For instance, parasites can alter host behavior, as seen in the case of zombie ants controlled by a parasitic fungus that compels them to climb plants and spread spores.
Moreover, parasites contribute to the complexity of food webs by forming numerous connections among themselves, other parasites, and host species. These interactions can have ripple effects throughout ecosystems, such as the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis changing the behavior of fish it infects, leading them to be preyed upon by birds. In this way, parasites maintain ecological balance and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.
Parasitism, a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another, has evolved independently over 220 times in animals, making parasites one of the most prevalent lifeforms on the planet. Despite their negative reputation due to diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis, parasites are vital components of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
### The Decline of Parasitology Research
While the importance of parasites is increasingly recognized, the field of parasitology is facing challenges. The American Society of Parasitologists has seen a significant drop in membership, with fewer researchers entering the field and older parasitologists retiring or passing away. This decline in expertise poses a risk to the study of parasite biodiversity and taxonomy, as many species remain undescribed and unclassified.
The lack of parasite education in traditional biology curriculums further exacerbates the problem, as students and researchers often overlook parasites in their studies. With medical schools and undergraduate programs rarely including parasitology courses, there is a growing gap in knowledge and interest in these fascinating creatures. To address this issue, efforts are being made to introduce parasites earlier in educational curricula and engage students through interactive activities and outreach programs.
### The Threats Facing Parasites
In addition to the decline in research and education, parasites are also facing threats from climate change and habitat loss. As ecosystems shift due to warming temperatures and deforestation, parasite populations are at risk of decline and extinction. The loss of parasites could have cascading effects on host species and ecosystem dynamics, highlighting the urgent need to conserve parasite biodiversity.
To address these challenges, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to parasite conservation, such as studying endangered parasite species like the Ryukyu rabbit tick in Japan. By understanding the relationships between parasites and their hosts, conservation efforts can be tailored to protect both species and preserve ecosystem balance. However, the clock is ticking, and urgent action is needed to catalog and study parasite biodiversity before it’s too late.
In conclusion, parasites are mysterious and understudied creatures that play essential roles in ecosystems worldwide. Despite their negative reputation, parasites are integral to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, making them worthy of further research and conservation efforts. By raising awareness, educating future scientists, and preserving parasite biodiversity, we can unlock the secrets of these fascinating creatures and ensure their survival for generations to come.