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Microbial ecology in Hydra: Why viruses matter

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Abstract

While largely studied because of their harmful effects on human health, there is growing appreciation that viruses are also important members of the animal holobiont. This review highlights recent findings on viruses associated with Hydra and related Cnidaria. These early evolutionary diverging animals not only select their bacterial communities but also select for viral communities in a species-specific manner. The majority of the viruses associating with these animals are bacteriophages. We demonstrate that the animal host and its virome have evolved into a homeostatic, symbiotic relationship and propose that viruses are an important part of the Hydra holobiont by controlling the species-specific microbiome. We conclude that beneficial virus-bacterial-host interactions should be considered as an integral part of animal development and evolution.

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  1. Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausen Strasse 40, 24098, Kiel, Germany

    Thomas C.G. Bosch, Juris A. Grasis & Tim Lachnit

  2. Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA

    Juris A. Grasis

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  1. Thomas C.G. Bosch
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Bosch, T.C., Grasis, J.A. & Lachnit, T. Microbial ecology in Hydra: Why viruses matter. J Microbiol. 53, 193–200 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-015-4695-2

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