Perkinsus marinus
Classification
Eukaryota; Perkinsozoa; Perkinsea; Perkinsida; Perkinsidae
Species
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NCBI: [1] |
Perkinsus marinus
Description and Significance
Perkinsus marinus, belonging to the Eukaryota Domain, is primarily found along the North American coast from Maine to Florida, as well as to the Yucatan Pennisula of Mexico. These protists are primarily located along the North American East coast from Maine to Florida, as well as along the Gulf coast to the Yucatan Pennisula. Known as just Perkinsus, or Dermo, this parasite is responsible for increasing mortality rates of many Eastern oysters.
This is an important issue to recognize because these parasites affect many oyster farming operations. Oyster farming is an aquaculture practice that consists of breeding and raising oyster species for pearls, mainly, and for their inner organs, to be eaten, and their shells. Increasing mortality rates of oyster could overall affect many regions of the world, considering that the French oyster industry have be heavily relied on oyster farming since the late 18th century.
Genome Structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces. P. marinus is about 2-4 um long.
Pathogenesis
Found mainly on the East coast of the US, Perkinsus marinus causes the disease known as dermo or perkinsosis. These diseases are characterized by the degradation and mortality in oyster populations. Transmission of this parasite is direct from oyster to oyster. Once the protist is inside its host, it releases trophozoites into host tissue and or their bloodstream. There, they infect more cells or are excreted or released when the host dies. Victims of this disease become stressed, their tissues turn pail, reproductive rates decline, and its growth rate slows, become emaciated, their mantles shrivel and pulls away from the shell, which can cause pockets of pus-like fluid. Blockage of blood vessels and lysis of tissues causes fatality. But surprisingly, oysters can live up to 3 years which active infections.
References
Author
Page authored by Kieran Duncan, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
