Parasites suffer too: Effects of host's pollutant exposure on some life-history traits of acanthocephalan parasites

These datasets are associated with the article “Parasites suffer too: Effects of host’s pollutant exposure on some life-history traits of acanthocephalan parasites”. They contain individual-level data on European chub (Squalius cephalus) and their natural acanthocephalan parasites (Pomphorhynchus sp), collected within a combination of field sampling and controlled mesocosm experiments. The datasets include two complementary components: (1) fish-level data, documenting capture information, morphological traits, infection presence, parasite biomass, and experimental treatments; and (2) parasite-level data, detailing parasite size and reproductive traits (egg counts and maturity), linked to the identity and characteristics of their host fish. Fish were captured in the Seine River watershed and subsequently maintained in outdoor mesocosms at CEREEP-Ecotron. Individuals were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of common freshwater pollutants, including imidacloprid, paracetamol (acute and chronic exposures), diclofenac, and S-metolachlor. After exposure, parasites were extracted, counted, and measured, and egg production was assessed. These datasets provides a detailed resource for studying host-parasite interactions under ecotoxicological stress and contributes to ongoing discussions on parasite sensitivity to environmental change.