Fle. Chu, Environmental factors and the infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Perkinsus marinus, in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), B EUR ASS F, 19(6), 1999, pp. 265-268
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Aquatic Sciences
Journal title
BULLETIN OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF FISH PATHOLOGISTS
Temperature and salinity are two important factors limiting the distributio
n and abundance of Perkinsus marinus, a protozoan parasite of Eastern oyste
rs (Crassostrea virginica). Results of laboratory studies ale consistent wi
th field observations and clearly demonstrate that P. marinus susceptibilit
y and disease advancement are positively correlated with temperature, salin
ity and in situ number of infective cells. Laboratory findings also suggest
that environmental degradation may enhance the epizootic, although disease
caused by P. marinus in oysters is known to be predominantly exacerbated b
y elevated temperature and salinity. Oysters cellular defence mechanisms ap
pear ineffective in defence against P. marinus. Also, pollutant esposure ca
used no significant effects on defence-related activities measured in oyste
rs.