Spatial and temporal disease dynamics of the parasite Hematodinium sp. in shore crabs, Carcinus maenas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The parasitic dinoflagellates of the genus Hematodinium represent the causative agent of so-called bitter or pink crab disease in a broad range of shellfish taxa. Outbreaks of Hematodinium-associated disease can devastate local fishing and aquaculture efforts. The goal of our study was to examine the potential role of the common shore (green) crab Carcinus maenas as a reservoir for Hematodinium. Carcinus maenas is native to all shores of the UK and Ireland and the North East Atlantic but has been introduced to, and subsequently invaded waters of, the USA, South Africa and Australia. This species is notable for its capacity to harbour a range of micro- and macro-parasites, and therefore may act as a vector for disease transfer.

Methods

Over a 12-month period, we in

SUBMITTER: Davies CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6790014 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature