Fecundity compensation is dependent on the generalised stress response in a nematode host

Background: Fecundity compensation, increased offspring output following parasite exposure, is widely reported, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. General stress responses are linked to other indirect defences against parasites, and therefore may be responsible. We challenged strains of Caenorhabditis elegans (wild-type and mutants with compromised or strengthened stress responses) with Staphylococcus aureus. Results: In all strains except the compromised stress response mutant, we saw elevated offspring production if hosts survived initial parasite exposure. Conclusion: We infer that general stress responses are linked with fecundity compensation. These results may explain why trade-offs are not observed among parasite defence mechanisms.