Comparative Pathogenesis of P. marinus
Disease in Bivalves: Development of Prevention Strategies for C. virginica
The parasite
Perkinsus marinus, which carries Dermo disease, has had a devastating effect upon populations of the eastern oyster (
Crassostrea virginica) in Chesapeake Bay. To date, very little is actually known regarding the pathology of the disease and why
C. virginica appears to be much more susceptible than other molluscs. In oysters, the primary lines of defense against invasive pathogens are specialized circulating cells, hemocytes, that recognize, engulf and ultimately destroy pathogens. This process is called phagocytosis. While
P. marinus is readily taken up by hemocytes, it is not neutralized. Instead, the parasite appears to evade or inactivate the normal hemocyte response and actually uses these cells to spread throughout the oyster. Robert Anderson will examine the critical interaction between
P. marinus and hemocytes in
C. virginica and compare the responses to those in two other molluscs that are resistant to infection, the Pacific oyster (
Crassostrea gigas) and the ribbed mussel (
Guekensia dermisa). He will conduct studies to determine the rates that the parasite is phagocytosed and the fates of those engulfed in hemocytes. These investigations will yield information critical to understanding the basic mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of
C. virginica to Dermo disease and will contribute to ongoing efforts for improving disease management practices and developing disease resistant oysters.
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Robert S. Anderson
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
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