Investigation of Perkinsus spp. in aquacultured hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) from the Florida Gulf Coast

摘要

Aquacultured hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) from Florida were examined for Perkinsus spp. using culture in Rays Fluid Thyioglycollate Medium (RFTM) and PCR. Clams were negative for P. marinus-specific PCR, but low-level. infections were observed by RFTM culture and by genus-specific PCR. In contrast, P. marinus was frequently detected in wild oysters, indicating possible host specificity for this parasite.