The occurrence of immune priming can be species-specific in entomopathogens.

Immune priming in invertebrates refers to an improved immune response (and therefore a better chance of survival) upon a second encounter with a specific pathogen. Although the existence of immune priming has been evaluated in invertebrate hosts, the ability of a particular entomopathogen species or strain to influence the occurrence of immune priming has not been thoroughly evaluated. The aim of the current study was to compare the occurrence of immune priming in Tenebrio molitor larvae after homologous challenges (a dual exposure to similar entomopathogens) with Serratia marcescens, Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae.

Costs and benefits of vertical and horizontal transmission of dengue virus.

Parasites can be transmitted vertically and/or horizontally, but the costs or benefits for the host of infection have only been tested after horizontal transmission. Here, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, the survival, reproduction and infection of Aedes aegypti during vertical and horizontal transmission of dengue virus 2 (DENV-2). Females infected horizontally produced more eggs, with a sex ratio skewed towards males, compared with uninfected controls.