Experimental infection of turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus L.) with a microsporean parasite ( Glugea atherinae Berrebi 1979) of the sand smelt ( Atherina presbyter C.)

Abstract

A microsporean parasite was found in specimens of sand smelt Atherina presbyter C. from the coast of NW Spain. Site of infection, xenoma and spore morphology and host species all suggest that the parasite is Glugea atherinae Beberri 1979. Oral administration of spores (10 7 per fish) to turbot Scophthalmus maximus L. resulted in infection of 60% of fish. Examination of infected turbot 2 months post-administration showed that xenomas were present in the lamina propria of the gut and in the hepatic parenchyma. Spores were identical in size and morphology to those isolated from sand smelt, although they were sometimes grouped in sporophorous vesicles (SPOVs). Xenomas in the gut mucosa lacked an external wall and were surrounded by a dense mass of infiltrated host cells. Xenomas in the liver were enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. Experimental infection with Glugea atherinae may provide a useful model for studies of potential strategies for the control of microsporeans.