F. Berrilli et al., Parasitic infections of Chamelea gallina (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from commercially exploited banks of the Adriatic Sea, B EUR ASS F, 20(5), 2000, pp. 199-205
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Aquatic Sciences
Journal title
BULLETIN OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF FISH PATHOLOGISTS
A parasitological survey of the bivalve Chamelea gallina was carried out fr
om natural beds of the Adriatic Sea, where anomalous mortalities were obser
ved during the last years (1997-1999). The occurrence of protozoans belongi
ng to the families Porosporidae, Hemispeiridae and Trichodinidae was record
ed. Porosporidae of the genus Nematopsis, present with 4 species, showed a
prevalence of 100%, irrespective of sampling localities, season or bivalve
size, but differences were found when percentage of infection was calculate
d per organ. As for the genus Porospora this is the first record in C. gall
ina. Among Hemispeiridae, the genera Ancistrum and Boveria were found in th
e gills. The results suggest that severe infections of protozoans of the ge
nus Nematopsis could cause a not negligible respiratory sufferance, with a
possible role in the decline of the natural banks.