Project Results

About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Marine mammal parasitology is a relatively understudied subject. Very little is known about the nematode parasites that infect these organisms, save those parasites that have a direct impact on human health. Thus, developing an understanding of the basic biology and behavior of these parasites is of great importance.

Controlling parasitic infections, especially those of endangered species, is of utmost importance for conservation. Currently, very little molecular sequence data exists for these organisms.

This work focuses on generating molecular data on several morphologically identified parasites as well as constructing nematode phylogenies and assessing coevolution as a means to identifying risky infections.

What is the significance of this project?

Parasitic infections can be catastrophic to marine mammal population recovery and survival. This is best illustrated by the example of the kidney parasite Crassicauda boopis. C. boopis blocks the renal arteries leading to kidney failure and death. This infection is predominant in juvenile humpback, finback, and blue whales, which are generally slow to breed and recovery from population crises.

Based on previous analysis C. boopis appears to be a risky infections, capable of infecting other large, endangered baleen whales. Controlling the spread of this infection is quintessential in conserving this amazing marine mammals.

Simple research into the basic genetics and biology of the parasites is the first step in understanding and controlling these infections.

What are the goals of the project?

This funding will allow me to extensively sequence over 2000 parasite samples as well as create simple, fast PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays for species identification and diagnostics.

Further, this research will allow me to purchase reagents and kits I desperately need to continue research into sequencing mitochondrial genomes, which hold the key to diagnostic development.

Additionally, funding will allow me to report back to the aquariums from which the parasites came and allow them to monitor infection in stranded animals much more closely and accurately.

Lastly, this funding will allow me to expand into next generation sequencing, greatly helping my attempt to sequence and annotate mitochondrial genomes