engleski

Histological changes in Modiolus barbatus (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) tissue induced by digenean infection

During seasonal sampling of Modiolus barbatus (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), one of most important and commercially valuable Adriatic bivalve, prevalence and abundance of Gymnophallus sp. was observed and histological sections were made in order to elucidate possible pathological effect of this digenean on M. barbatus bivalve. Digenean prevalence was low (3.01 %), peaking in February (7.14 %), while its abundance was practically uncountable. Presence of different digenean life stages was noticed. Histological sections of bivalve mantle showed tissue reaction ranging from the mild haemocytes infiltration when sporocysts inhabited digestive gland or gonadal tissue to encapsulation and tissue deterioration. Non-encysted metacercarie did not elict host response, however in older bivalves disseminated nacre agglomerations could be observed, originating from dead Gymnophallus metacercarie.

Modiolus barbatus; Gymnophallus sp

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