Publication Abstract

Microsporidiosis in queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis L.) from U.K. waters

K.B. Lohrmann, S.W. Feist and A.R. Brand

Spores of a microsporidian parasite were found in teh queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis (L.) collected from several coastal sites around the UK. Developing spore stages were detected in contact with the host cell cytoplasm. Infected host cells formed aggregates in the connective tissue of the digestive gland. Fully mature spores were found free within blood vessels. These spores exhibited a horseshoe shaped polaroplast, a diplokaryon, a posterior vacuole, and an isofilar polar tube, with 7 to 8 coils in a single row. In immature spores the number of coils of the polar tube varied, some had 7 to 8 coils and others had 10 to 12 coils.

Reference:

K.B. Lohrmann, S.W. Feist and A.R. Brand, 2000. Microsporidiosis in queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis L.) from U.K. waters. Journal of Shellfish Research , 19(1): 71-75.