Claire ponds as an experimental model for Marteilia refringens life-cycle studies: new perspectives

Since its first description, the paramyxean parasite Marteilia refringens (Grizel et al.) has been recognised as a significant pathogen of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis L. The existence of a complex life-cycle involving several hosts was postulated early on by many authors, although it rema...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology 2001-02, Vol.257 (1), p.87-108
Main Authors: Audemard, C., Barnaud, A., Collins, C.M., Le Roux, F., Sauriau, P.-G., Coustau, C., Blachier, P., Berthe, F.C.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal aquaculture
Animal productions
Biodiversity
Biodiversity and Ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Behavior
Cellular Biology
Environmental Sciences
Experimental model
France
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Invertebrate aquaculture
Life cycle. Host-agent relationship. Pathogenesis
Life Sciences
Life-cycle
Marine
Marteilia refringens
Mollusca
Ostrea edulis
Oyster pond
Protozoa
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Summary:Since its first description, the paramyxean parasite Marteilia refringens (Grizel et al.) has been recognised as a significant pathogen of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis L. The existence of a complex life-cycle involving several hosts was postulated early on by many authors, although it remains unsolved. Recent developments in the DNA-based diagnosis of M. refringens provides new prospects for the detection of the parasite in potential hosts. However, this screening remains impeded by the number of species living in the vicinity of oyster beds. We report here on the use of semi-closed oyster ponds (so called ‘claire’ in Marennes-Oléron Bay) as a study model for the life-cycle of M. refringens. Claires are located in an endemic area for M. refringens and transmission of the disease to healthy oysters has been shown to be effective during the course of this study. The environmental characteristics of the claires strongly limit the number of species compared with intertidal areas and oyster beds. Consequently, extensive sampling of a limited number of species cohabiting with oysters was possible. These were preserved for future screening of M. refringens. The experimental model should bring new insights to the life-cycle of M. refringens, as it enables us to propose new conceptual schemes of M. refringens transmission. The role of species as potential hosts is discussed regarding their biology and geographical distribution.
ISSN:0022-0981
1879-1697
DOI:10.1016/S0022-0981(00)00330-0