Publication Abstract

Ultrastructural characterisation of Martelia species (Paramyxea) from Ostrea edulis, Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis in Europe

A reappraisal of the ultrastructural characteristics currently used for the discrimination of Martelia parasitising Ostrea edulis, Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis in Europe

M. Longshaw, S.W. Feist, A.J. Figueras and R.A. Matthews

A Focused ultrastructural study of Marteilia spp. found in cultured Ostrea edulis, Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis from France and Spain was conducted with emphasis placed on haplosporosomes, striated plate-like inclusions and spore wall morphology. Two types of haplosporosome were identified, sphaeroid and oblate, which were common to the parasite in all 3 host species. A total of 492 haplosporosomes were measured; those from the Marteilia sp. in Mytilus spp. were marginally smaller than those in Ostrea edulis. Spore wall morphology was found to vary depending on the state of maturity of the parasite, the more mature the parasite, the thicker the wall surrounding it. It is suggested that the current criteria used to distinguish M. maurini from M. refingens are invalid and that M. maurini be relegated to a junior synonym of M. refringens.

Reference:

M. Longshaw, S.W. Feist, A.J. Figueras and R.A. Matthews, 2001. A reappraisal of the ultrastructural characteristics currently used for the discrimination of Martelia parasitising Ostrea edulis, Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis in Europe.Disease of Aquatic Organisms, 44:137-142

M. Longshaw*, S.W. Feist*, R.A. Matthews and A.J. Figueras

Disease of Aquatic Organisms, 44:137-142