A novel Spiroplasma pathogen causing systemic infection in the crayfishProcambarus clarkii(Crustacea: Decapod), in China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.femsle.2005.06.005
• Publication Date: 2005-06-24T13:41:54Z
• Authors: Wen Wang; Wei Gu; Zhengfeng Ding; Yalai Ren; Jianxiu Chen; Yayi Hou
• Keywords: Spiroplasma; Procambarus clarkii; Chinese mitten crab; Hemolymph

A novel disease of crayfish Procambarus clarkii appeared in the summer 2004 freshwater aquaculture Jiangsu province China. Light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), molecular biological methods vitro culture were used to identify pathogen. The agent was unique having a helical morphology rotary motility as observed by phase-contrast light found haemolymph, muscles, nerves connective tissues smear method TEM. Ultra-thin sections under TEM revealed wall-free membrane microbe. could pass through filters with pores 220 nm diameter cultivated M1D medium. 16S rDNA pathogen amplified PCR using primers specific for Spiroplasma-specific rDNA. resultant 271 bp product showed 99% identity Spiroplasma mirum rDNA, close relationship spiroplasma from Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. This is second time has been crustacean. also bottom mud ponds associated disease. an effective way detect environment. results this study are significant expanding host range ecology.