Investigating the Presence of the Nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in Brook Stickleback and Intermediate Hosts in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Faculty Mentor
Krisztian Magori
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
May 2025
End Date
May 2025
Location
PUB 317
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
Parasitic infections play a significant role in shaping aquatic ecosystems, yet the distribution and environmental reservoirs of many freshwater parasites remain poorly understood. In this project, we will investigate the presence of the parasitic nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in brook stickleback from three lakes—Blackhorse Lake, Middle Pine Lake, and Kepple Lake—within Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Washington. Preliminary dissections of brook stickleback from these lakes have revealed consistent infections by this nematode in the body cavity, prompting further investigation into the parasite's distribution and environmental reservoirs.
To explore the environmental presence of this nematode, we will collect zooplankton and sediment samples from each lake. Zooplankton will be examined for larval stages of the nematode, which may serve as intermediate hosts, while sediment samples will be analyzed for the presence of nematode eggs or resting stages. Both sample types will be tested using PCR to detect the presence of nematode DNA, providing molecular evidence of the parasite in the environment.
In addition to environmental sampling, brook stickleback will be dissected to check for the presence of nematodes, further confirming the distribution of this parasite within host populations.
This research will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of this nematode in freshwater ecosystems and its potential ecological impacts. These findings may also have broader implications for fish health, aquatic food web structure, and biodiversity within the unique habitats of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
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Recommended Citation
Goulding, Sydni; Smith, Dylan; and Thompson, Mason, "Investigating the Presence of the Nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in Brook Stickleback and Intermediate Hosts in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge" (2025). 2025 Symposium. 9.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2025/op_2025/o1_2025/9
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Investigating the Presence of the Nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in Brook Stickleback and Intermediate Hosts in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
PUB 317
Parasitic infections play a significant role in shaping aquatic ecosystems, yet the distribution and environmental reservoirs of many freshwater parasites remain poorly understood. In this project, we will investigate the presence of the parasitic nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in brook stickleback from three lakes—Blackhorse Lake, Middle Pine Lake, and Kepple Lake—within Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Washington. Preliminary dissections of brook stickleback from these lakes have revealed consistent infections by this nematode in the body cavity, prompting further investigation into the parasite's distribution and environmental reservoirs.
To explore the environmental presence of this nematode, we will collect zooplankton and sediment samples from each lake. Zooplankton will be examined for larval stages of the nematode, which may serve as intermediate hosts, while sediment samples will be analyzed for the presence of nematode eggs or resting stages. Both sample types will be tested using PCR to detect the presence of nematode DNA, providing molecular evidence of the parasite in the environment.
In addition to environmental sampling, brook stickleback will be dissected to check for the presence of nematodes, further confirming the distribution of this parasite within host populations.
This research will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of this nematode in freshwater ecosystems and its potential ecological impacts. These findings may also have broader implications for fish health, aquatic food web structure, and biodiversity within the unique habitats of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
Reply
