Entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract

What are entomopathogenic nematodes? Nematodes seem to have evolved to occupy nearly every niche imaginable, including a wide diversity of parasitic niches. Among the vast variety of parasitic nematodes, some have evolved an association with insect-pathogenic bacteria. Together the bacteria and nematode are a lethal duo. These nematodes are called 'entomopathogenic nematodes'. Essentially the nematodes serve as mobile vectors for their insect-pathogenic bacteria cargo, like little Typhoid Marys. The nematodes seek out and invade potential hosts and release their pathogenic payload into the nutrient-rich hemolymph. Infected insect hosts die quickly, the bacteria proliferate, the nematodes feed on bacteria and insect tissues, and reproduce. When the host cadaver is depleted of resources, nematodes associated with pathogenic bacteria emerge and search for new hosts to infect (Figure 1). The cooperation with bacteria and the speed with which they kill set entomopathogenic nematodes apart from other nematode parasites.

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