Polar and neutral lipid composition of the copepod Lernaeocera lusci and its host Merluccius merluccius in relationship with the parasite intensity

Parasitic copepod Lernaeocera lusci is a common mesoparasite of the hake Merluccius merluccius. Although widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean, little is known about this pathogen. The current study was designed to assess the impact of different L. lusci infection loads on lipid classes and their fatty acid (FA) composition in both parasite and the host organs (gills, liver, and muscle). Results showed a significant decrease in total lipid, neutral lipid (NL), and polar lipid (PL) contents in all analyzed host's organs in relationship with parasite intensity. Gills appeared to be the most impacted organ under the lowest parasite intensity (loss of 50% of NL and PL amounts). At the highest parasitic infection, a loss of about 80% of lipid moieties was recorded in all analyzed organs. Simultaneously, no significant differences were found for the parasite reflecting its ability to sustain an appropriate lipid amount required for its survival and development. Significant changes in the FA composition were recorded in both host and parasite. Particularly, we have noticed that for L. lusci, the intraspecific competition has resulted in an increased level of some essential FA such as C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), C20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA), and C20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid, ARA). This probably reflects that in addition to a direct host FA diversion, L. Lusci can modulate its FA composition by increasing the activity of desaturation. Within the host, liver PL appeared to be the less impacted fraction which may mirror an adaptive strategy adopted by the host to preserve the structural and functional integrity of this vital organ.

Automated summary

The study found that infection by Lernaeocera lusci can lead to significant changes in lipid classes and fatty acid composition in host organs, while having a relatively smaller impact on the parasite itself. The highest parasitic infection resulted in a loss of about 80% of lipid moieties in all analyzed organs.