Ecoimmunology - assesment of gerbil antibody responses to fleas in the wild
With focus on describing and explaining natural variation in immune functions, ecoimmunology seeks answers to why and how biotic and abiotic factors contribute to variation in immunity in free-living organisms. The approach of ecoimmunology contrasts that of mainstream immunological research which experimentally controls variation, (sometimes via modifications of gene expression or the use of ultra-clean housing facilities), to ascertain the molecular and cellular details of parasite coping mechanisms. Examining immunology in an ecological and evolutionary perspective places immune activity within the framework of how organisms interact with their environment. As it is with all maturing fields of study, considerable effort is dedicated to the development of methodology.
One of the critical problems in the developing field of ecoimmunology has been the identification, development and use of the appropriate tools to measure immune response in wild animals. This research aims at bridging this gap by developing a suitable and sensitive assay for directly measuring antibody production in wild gerbils. Results from this research can help us to have a better understanding of host-parasite interactions in free-living animals and particularly so in gerbils. By assessing antibody production over different seasons will increase understanding of the role of changing climatic conditions on the immune response of free-living gerbils. It could also help us to better understand the immune response of free-living gerbils to different strains of fleas which could be useful in control programs.
Feas were collected from captured gerbils, who were then released. A protein extract was prepared and purified, and then used to detect ant-flea antibody in gerbil serum samples. The figure below shows a seasonal anti-flea antibody response and geographical distribution of flea-responders: the results show a ten percent annual population fluctuation, which is indicative of inner habitat migration (the sum of each month equals 100%).
