Project: Effect of substratum on the development and release of the triactinomyxon stage of Myxobolus cerebralis in resistant strains of Tubifex tubifex

Primary Investigator: Dolores Baxa
Project Summary: This investigation examines the variability among Tubifex tubifex worms related to the production and release of Myxobolus cerebralis triactinomyxons (TAMs). There are six lineages of T. tubifex identified by mitochondrial DNA and numbered I through IV. Some are considered susceptible to M. cerebralis infection and produce large numbers of TAMs, while other lineages are considered resistant and produce none. The researchers have noted that even within a lineage considered susceptible (Lineage III), there is great variability in the number of TAMs produced. One potential explanation for this variability is that substrate types influence TAM production. This study will examine the effects of substrate (mud and sand) on the development and release of the parasite among laboratory populations of Lineage III T. tubifex. A secondary goal is to evaluate if parasite development can be altered by changes in substrate in a lineage of parasite-resistant worms (Lineage VI). Knowledge gained through these laboratory experiments regarding variability in resistance among T. tubifex will assist in risk assessments and management options to protect fish health.
Funding Period: 2006-2007
Final Report: 2006-2007 final report not yet available
Dataset(s) associated with this project:

There are no datasets associated with this project.