Hartikainen, Hanna, Dr.

My research focuses on the genetic underpinnings of host-parasite interactions (e.g. co-evolution). We combine genomics and experimental approaches to investigate how host and parasite traits co-evolve and what implications this has for epidemiology.

Current projects:

Coevolution: colonial animals and their pathogens

We use lab and field experiments with colonial freshwater bryozoans to understand infection spread and co-evolution in systems which rely on asexual reproduction. This study system is ideal for asking questions about host-parasite coevolution when host populations are characterized by colonial life-styles, low genetic diversity, long lifespan and asexual reproduction.

Epidemiology of aquatic diseases

Our research indicates that bryozoans are in key role in the emergence and spread of the devastating salmonid Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD can have severe ecological and economic consequences for wild trout populations and aquaculture and our work helps to understand and develop management strategies for PKD.

Environmental DNA for parasite monitoring
Epidemiological games play out in the presence of complex assemblages of parasites and hosts, many of which are undescribed and whose life-cycles are unknown. We use environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches in both marine and freshwater systems and use lineage-specific barcoding to reveal parasite community dynamics in space and time.

Selected publications
(see more on ResearchGate  external page https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hanna_Hartikainen)

Bass, D., Littlewood, DTJ, Hartikainen, H. 2015. Diverse applications of environmental DNA methods in parasitology. Trends in Parasitology 31(10): 499-513

Okamura, B., Hartikainen H. et al. 2011. Life cycle complexity, environmental change and the emerging status of salmonid proliferative kidney disease. Freshwater Biology, 56(4): 735-753

Hartikainen, H., Gruhl, A., Okamura, B. 2015. Diversification and repeated morphological transitions in endoparasitic cnidarians (Myxozoa: Malacosporea). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 76: 261-269

Hartikainen, H. Ashford, OS et al. 2014. Lineage-specific molecular probing reveals novel diversity and ecological partitioning of haplosporidians. ISME Journal 8(1): 177-186

Find out more about freshwater bryozoans external page Fredericella sultana and the PKD parasite external page Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae.