Parasites in focus: New textbook shows their role in the ecosystem!

Parasites in focus: New textbook shows their role in the ecosystem!

On June 11, 2025, the textbook “Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites” was published. This work, edited by Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures from the University of Duisburg-Essen and Prof. Dr. Nico Smit, from North-West University in South Africa, highlights the diverse ecological roles that parasites play in fresh and saltwater ecosystems. Despite their general perception as pathogens, parasites are integral parts of natural ecosystems and influence both the behavior of their hosts and important ecological processes. Loud University of Duisburg-Essen Current research shows that some parasites can actually reduce pollutant concentrations in their hosts.

The publication is available as an open access publication and has already reached 40,000 downloads within three weeks. This illustrates the great interest in the topic, especially in times of environmental changes such as climate change and pollution of aquatic habitats. An important central finding of the book is that parasitized amphipods are actually more active and less sensitive to herbicides, potentially increasing their chances of survival.

The relevance of parasites in ecosystems

Parasites play a crucial role in the complex relationships of nature. They help regulate populations and maintain ecological balance. The book outlines innovative research approaches, such as the use of environmental DNA and stable isotope analysis to study food webs in aquatic habitats. These approaches help to raise the scientific discussion of parasitological issues to a new level. An example of this is the image of the tongue replacement isopod Ceratothoa famosa, which lives in the mouth of the Cape Bream (Diplodus capensis) and is the only known parasite to replace an entire organ of its host.

The importance of parasites is underscored by increasing research in this area, highlighting not only the science but also the relevance to the One Health approach. This integrative approach focuses on the health of people, animals and the environment. It emphasizes preventing disease transmission through food, international trade and travel. According to the information from Federal Environment Agency Collaboration between disciplines such as human and veterinary medicine is of central importance.

The One Health approach

A central goal of the One Health approach is the preventative control of diseases. A crucial aspect is the shared responsibility for reducing antibiotic resistance and the exchange between different actors. Involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes helps improve acceptance and practical implementation of the approach. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that agriculture and veterinary practice are necessary partners in order to promote interdisciplinary exchange.

Some challenges remain, so that the shortage of skilled workers and the decreasing willingness to participate in committees make interdisciplinary staffing more difficult. Nevertheless, the need for a balanced composition of committees is crucial in order to take all interests into account. Especially when it comes to zoonoses, cooperation between human medicine, veterinary medicine and animal science is of great importance in order to develop sensible preventive measures.

In summary, both research on parasites and the promotion of integrative health management are essential to effectively address the challenges arising from global changes. It remains to be seen how both the scientific community and policy makers will implement the findings. You can find more information about this in this document.