Host-specificity of monogenean (platyhelminth) parasites: a role for anterior adhesive areas?

Monogeneans (flatworms) are among the most host-specific of parasites in general and may be the most host-specific of all fish parasites. Specificity, in terms of a restricted spatial distribution within an environment, is not unique to parasites and is displayed by some fungi, insects, birds, symbionts and pelagic larvae of free-living marine invertebrates. The nature of cues, how "habitats" are recognised and how interactions between partners are mediated and maintained is of interest across these diverse "associations". We review some experiments that demonstrate important factors that contribute to host-specificity at the level of infective stages (larvae of oviparous monogeneans; juveniles of viviparous gyrodactylids) and adult parasites. Recent research on immune responses by fish to monogenean infections is considered. We emphasise the critical importance of host epidermis to the Monogenea. Monogeneans live on host epidermis, they live in its products (e.g. mucus), monopisthocotyleans feed on it, some of its products are "attractants" and it may be an inhospitable surface because of its immunological activity. We focus attention on fish but reference is made to amphibian hosts. We develop the concept for a potential role in host-specificity by the anterior adhesive areas, either the specialised tegument and/or anterior secretions produced by monogeneans for temporary but firm attachment during locomotion on host epithelial surfaces. Initial contact between the anterior adhesive areas of infective stages and host epidermis may serve two important purposes. (1) Appropriate sense organs or receptors on the parasite interact with a specific chemical or chemicals or with surface structures on host epidermis. (2) A specific but instant recognition or reaction occurs between component(s) of host mucus and the adhesive(s) secreted by monogeneans. The chemical composition of fish skin is known to be species-specific and our preliminary analysis of the chemistry of some monogenean adhesives indicates they are novel proteins that display some differences between parasite families and species.