Determination of nuclear DNA concentration in cells of Myxobolus cerebralis and triactinomyxon spores, the causative agent of whirling disease

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (9) ◽  
pp. 694-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansour El-Matbouli ◽  
Thomas W. Holstein ◽  
Rudolf W. Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Causative Agent ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Whirling Disease ◽  
Myxobolus Cerebralis ◽  
Dna Concentration ◽  
In Cells

Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa), the causative agent of whirling disease, reduces fecundity and feeding activity of Tubifex tubifex (Oligochaeta)

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (6) ◽  
pp. 603-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. SHIRAKASHI ◽  
M. EL-MATBOULI
Keyword(s):  
Causative Agent ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Tubifex Tubifex ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Whirling Disease ◽  
Myxobolus Cerebralis ◽  
Cocoon Production ◽  
Spore Release

SUMMARYMyxobolus cerebralis is the causative agent of whirling disease that has significant economical and ecological impacts on trout populations. Although intensive studies have been conducted to understand its effects on and interactions with its fish host, only limited information is available about how and to what extent M. cerebralis affects its oligochaete host, Tubifex tubifex. We investigated the effects of M. cerebralis on survival, growth, reproduction, and feeding activity of T. tubifex. Mature, immature and juvenile worms were exposed to myxospores and their infection prevalence, mortality, sexual development, reproduction and spore production were compared with unexposed worms. The parasite affected neither survival nor growth but inhibited clitellar development and reduced cocoon production by over 80%. Numbers of actinospores released from mature worms were nearly 9-fold higher than that of immature worms. When non-clitellated infected worms were kept at 30°C for 4 days, spore release ceased and they re-developed a clitellum. These results suggest parasite-induced castration. Comparative monitoring of defecation rate revealed that M. cerebralis reduced feeding activity of T. tubifex by approximately 40%. Low energy intake and impaired energetic allocation may be the underlying mechanism behind reduced fecundity of infected T. tubifex.

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