Sunday, July 6, 2014

PARASITE--HOST INTERPLAY

PARASITE -- HOST INTERPLAY Parasites are also human, though they are much better-known, in virus, plant, animal, and bacterial genres. Some people must prey upon others, just to subsist if not to exist. There are entire families of burglars, armed robbers, rapists, and hooligans: of both the street and the suite variety. In due course, we all eventually encounter them, in whatever mode best suits their means of parasitism: flattery, mimicry, cajolery, larceny; extortion, identity-theft, siphoning, bullying, stealing, befriending, bonding, murdering, masquerading, massaging, beguiling or seducing. We, occasional hosts of parasitism, are variously referred to as patriots, investors, members, dupes, victims. Fortunately, not all parasites are unto death. Some work together with the host to expel a greater parasite. One example of cooperation is in the pea aphids, a would-be host, that teams up with viruses and bacteria to destroy and consume wasp larvae, which would eat the aphid inside out! So, hosts, though not all defenseless, had best be conscientious to threats. Whether parasite, host, or prey, all are headed the same way: unto that yawning vortex whence comes birth, life and death and all in between.