ISSN:
1365-2761
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. Two Myxobolus species, M. pseudodispar and M. ellipsoides, and two Myxidium species, M. rhodei and M. pfeifferi, were found in roach, Rutilus rutilus L., from three different locations in northern Greece, northern England and Scotland. Their prevalence, distribution in the host and pathology were studied. In the ease of M. rhodei, the pathological changes were quantitatively evaluated by computer-based image analysis, and the results expressed in terms of area and volume of organs affected. The pathology of M. pfeifferi was associated with trophozoites in the bile duets and the infection ranged from mild to severe. In the severe eases, degeneration of duetal mucosa sometimes progressed to focal hepatitis. Myxidium rhodei was found in the kidneys as large cysts containing mature and immature spores (Type A cysts), and less often, in the form of small concentric cysts (Type B) which contained no obvious spores but which were characterized by a marked host response giving the appearance of focal granulomas. Type A cysts were also found in liver and spleen, and Type B cysts in the heart. Trophozoites of M. rhodei were observed in only a few eases and occurred in enlarged renal corpuscles in which the capillary tuft was atrophied and compressed. The pathology of M. rhodei was significant due to the enlargement of glomeruli from four to seven times their normal size and with an estimated increase in volume of 54 to 78 times. In addition to the functional damage to the glomeruli, there was also damage of the surrounding interstitial tissue and tubules as a result of the pressure from these enlarged glomeruli. The two myxobolid species were considered to be mainly specific to the kidney with no serious pathology in this organ, but caused significant pathology in the muscles (M. pseudodispar) and gills (M. ellipsoides).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2761.1993.tb00846.x
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