R/F-91

Mercenaria mercenaria - QPX: Immunological characterization of the host-pathogen interface

Principal Investigator:

Robert S. Anderson

Start/End Year:

2000 - 2003

Institution:

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Co-Principal Investigator:

Sharon E. McGladdery, Gulf Fisheries Centre

Topic(s):

Fisheries

Description:

QPX is an emerging disease affecting cultured M. mercenaria from Atlantic Canada to Virginia. The major objective is to understand the hosts' defense responses to QPX. Specifically, a suite of hemocytic and serum-dependent immune mechanisms will be quantified and evaluated with regard to resistance to this protistan parasite. Parameters of immunity involved with non-self recognition, inhibition of replication, and killing of QPX organisms by circulating blood cells and serum macromolecules will be measured.

Related Publications:

Anderson, RS; Kraus, BS; McGladdery, S; Smolowitz, R. 2003. QPX, a pathogen of quahogs (hard clams), employs mucoid secretions to resist host antimicrobial agents. Journal of Shellfish Research22(1):205 -208. UM-SG-RS-2003-14.

Anderson, RS; Kraus, BS; McGladdery, SE; Reece, KS; Stokes, NA. 2003. A thraustochytrid protist isolated from Mercenaria mercenaria: molecular characterization and host defense responses. Fish & Shellfish Immunology15(3):183 -194. doi:10.1016/S1050-4648(02)00157-2. UM-SG-RS-2003-10.

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