Event Title
The Relationship Between the Innate Immunity and Ectoparasite Load of Adult Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology, Psychology
Mentor Information
Michael Lombardo, Patrick Thorpe
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC22
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Life Science
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens. Despite this defense ectoparasite infestations still occur. Birds are commonly infested with feather chewing lice that can affect their survival and reproductive success. We examined the relationship between the damage to wing and tail feathers caused by chewing lice and innate immunity in adult Tree Swallows nesting on the GVSU campus in 2011. Holes in the wing and tail feathers may affect flight and mate choice. We estimated lice-caused feather damage by counting holes and innate immunity by the in vitro ability of whole blood to kill bacteria. We predicted there to be an inverse relationship between level of innate immunity and the number of louse-chewed holes. However, there was no relationship between innate immunity and the number of louse-chewed holes. This suggests that the acquired immune system, which develops after birth, may be the critical component in defense against feather chewing lice.
The Relationship Between the Innate Immunity and Ectoparasite Load of Adult Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)
Kirkhof Center KC22
The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens. Despite this defense ectoparasite infestations still occur. Birds are commonly infested with feather chewing lice that can affect their survival and reproductive success. We examined the relationship between the damage to wing and tail feathers caused by chewing lice and innate immunity in adult Tree Swallows nesting on the GVSU campus in 2011. Holes in the wing and tail feathers may affect flight and mate choice. We estimated lice-caused feather damage by counting holes and innate immunity by the in vitro ability of whole blood to kill bacteria. We predicted there to be an inverse relationship between level of innate immunity and the number of louse-chewed holes. However, there was no relationship between innate immunity and the number of louse-chewed holes. This suggests that the acquired immune system, which develops after birth, may be the critical component in defense against feather chewing lice.