Coinfection and the evolution of strategies of within-host persistence – COINFECT

Hosts are usually infected by multiple parasites simultaneously. These parasites can be in conflict or benefit from the presence of each other. In this project, we wish to investigate the consequences of the infection by an intestinal nematode with immunosuppressive effects, on the infection dynamics of a Plasmodium species, both parasites infecting house mice. In the first work package, we wish to run a series of experiments to investigate the role of order and timing of infection on the infection dynamics and the cost paid by the host. In the second work package, we will implement an experimental evolution approach where the two parasites will be allowed to evolve under single infection conditions or under co-infection. In the third work package, we will adopt a modelling approach to investigate more broadly the conditions promoting the evolution of immunosuppressive strategies and the consequences on the co-infection dynamics.