Occurence of Perkinsus sp. in two clam species (Ruditapes philippinarum and R. decussatus) from the Ebro Delta, Spain.

摘要

The distribution of Perkinsus sp. was investigated in two commercial clam species Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum collected from the Ebro delta, Spain. Clams of commercial size were collected from September 2005 to August 2006 and Perkinsus prevalence and infection intensity were determined using the Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) diagnostic method. The prevalence of Perkinsus was relatively high all year round, ranging from 20-100% with an average of 70.5 and 79.1% of infected R. decussatus and R. philippinarum, respectively. Perkinsus prevalence was associated with Perkinsus infection intensity. Infection intensity was relatively low in all samples ranging from 216-24711 cells/g wet tissue or 622-141947 cells/clam. No obvious seasonality in Perkinsus occurrence was observed. In addition, no significant correlation between infection intensity and either sea water temperature or salinity was determined.