I have come across literature describing an anorexic response in drosophila, African armyworm and a range of vertebrates, suggesting that sickens associated anorexia is an evolutionary conserved response. Is there any literature on more primitive animals similarly losing their appetite during an infection?
Unfortunately I can't give you an answer to this interesting question, but I think you will have the most luck looking into veterinary medical literature. While you might not find direct descriptions, it is your best bet for references.
Hi Amelia
Thanks for the answer. If you happen to be interested, I came across an article mentioning that sea anemones retract their tentacles after an infection [1]. This would suggest that sickens associated anorexia may be an ancient response.
1. Zaragoza WJ, Krediet CJ, Meyer JL, Canas G, Ritchie KB, Teplitski M. Outcomes of infections of sea anemone aiptasia pallida with vibrio spp. pathogenic to corals. Microb Ecol. 2014;68(2):388-96.
Also, I am very interested in understanding why an animal would stop eating at a time when incredible metabolic demands are placed on the organism (e.g. febrile response, expansion of immune cells/tissue, generation of billions of immunoglobulins etc.) It is evolutionary conserved, so I must play an very important role in host survival/defence during an infection. If you are interested, here is my thought on the matter (find attached).
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