Effect of Infestation of Pyxinia firma on the Total Haemocyte Counts (THC) and Larval Growth of the Dermestes vulpinus (Dermestidae: Coleoptera)
Journal Article
Publication Work Type:
Original Research
Publication Online URL:
Magazine \ Newspaper:
Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
Issue Number:
14
Volume Number:
12
Pages:
1237 - 1240
Publication Abstract:
Abstract: Pyxinia firma has not previously been recorded in the mid gut of the larvae of scavenger beetle Dermestes vulpinus. Infected larvae of the scavenger beetles were investigated in order to determine the effects of their infection by the eugregarine, Pyxinia firma. Infected larvae were found to have higher total haemocyte counts and greater weight gain than uninfected ones. Infected larvae that were starved, however, lost weight much faster than uninfected larvae. The impact of infection on the physiology of the insect is also discussed and it is observed that the variation in the pattern of the total haemocyte counts between infected and uninfected larvae is indicative of the effect of the infection on the immune system of D. vulpinus.
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