Effects of host dietary fructose on experimentally stunted Moniliformis (Acanthocephala)

Abstract

Crompton D. W. T., Singhvi A. and Keymer Anne. 1982. Effects of host dietary fructose on experimentally stunted Moniliformis (Acanthocephala). International Journal for Parasitology 12: 117–121. Experimentally stunted Moniliformis dubius were obtained by allowing their hosts to feed on a purified synthetic diet containing 3 % glucose (w/w). Aspects of the growth, as measured by dry weight, and population dynamics of stunted Moniliformis aged 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 weeks were compared with those of Moniliformis which were recovered from similar rats that had been allowed to feed for 3 weeks at particular times on an isoenergetic diet containing 3 % fructose. The rats that were given the fructose diet had eaten only the 3 % glucose diet and harboured infections of Moniliformis aged 5, 7, 9 and 11 weeks when the dietary change was made. It was found that the change of the host diet to one containing fructose promoted the growth and sexual development of the Moniliformis and increased their life spans. Some worms, however, were able to grow in the rats that continued to feed on the diet containing 3 % glucose. The possible significance of naturally stunted Moniliformis in the life cycle of the parasite is discussed.