Veterinary Parasitology 125 (2004) 147–161 AAVP Symposium: new approaches in the study of animal parasites Edited by: L.C. Gasbarre ∗ Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, ANRI, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Contributing authors: T.R. Klei, S.R. Chirgwin, G. Solano-Aguilar, T. Shea-Donohue, K. Madden, H. Dawson, T. Ledbetter, J. Urban Jr., L.C. Gasbarre, T. Sonstegard, C.P. VanTassell, R. Araujo Abstract The following three papers are a very small window onto the types of research being pursued by members of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. They are related by the fact that newer areas in the biology of parasites and their hosts are discussed. The first paper by Dr. Tom Klei, gives a brief view of the interactions between host and parasite of the fascinating organism Wolbachia, a parasite of parasites. The second paper by Dr. Gloria Solano-Aguilar addresses the use of probiotics to alter the host–parasite interface and influence host resistance. The final paper by Dr. Lou Gasbarre outlines an example of integration of the genomics revolution into Veterinary Parasitology. While the subjects are diverse, they demonstrate the vitality of the AAVP. Keywords: Wolbachia; Bacteria; Brugia malayi The interaction of Wolbachia, filarial nematodes and their hosts Thomas R. Klei, Sharon R. Chirgwin Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA Intracellular bacteria were first reported from various filarial nematodes, including Brugia malayi, almost 30 years ago (Vincent et al., 1975; Kozek, 1977). However, it took another 20 years before these bacteria were identified as close relatives of the arthropod symbiont Wol- bachia (Sironi et al., 1995). Wolbachia have been found in many filarial nematodes, although ∗ Tel.: +1 301 504 8509; fax: +1 301 504 6426. E-mail address: lgasbarr@anri.barc.usda.gov (L.C. Gasbarre). 0304-4017/$ – see front matter doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.05.011