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Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa), the causative agent of whirling disease, reduces fecundity and feeding activity of Tubifex tubifex (Oligochaeta)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

S. SHIRAKASHI  and
M. EL-MATBOULI
S. SHIRAKASHI
Affiliation:
Clinic for Fish and Reptiles, University of Munich, Kaulbachstraße 37, D-80539 Munich, Germany
M. EL-MATBOULI*
Affiliation:
Clinic for Fish and Reptiles, University of Munich, Kaulbachstraße 37, D-80539 Munich, Germany
*
*Corresponding author. Tel: +49 (0) 89 2180 3273. Fax: +49 (0) 89 280 5175. E-mail: [email protected]
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Summary

Myxobolus cerebralis is the causative agent of whirling disease that has significant economical and ecological impacts on trout populations. Although intensive studies have been conducted to understand its effects on and interactions with its fish host, only limited information is available about how and to what extent M. cerebralis affects its oligochaete host, Tubifex tubifex. We investigated the effects of M. cerebralis on survival, growth, reproduction, and feeding activity of T. tubifex. Mature, immature and juvenile worms were exposed to myxospores and their infection prevalence, mortality, sexual development, reproduction and spore production were compared with unexposed worms. The parasite affected neither survival nor growth but inhibited clitellar development and reduced cocoon production by over 80%. Numbers of actinospores released from mature worms were nearly 9-fold higher than that of immature worms. When non-clitellated infected worms were kept at 30°C for 4 days, spore release ceased and they re-developed a clitellum. These results suggest parasite-induced castration. Comparative monitoring of defecation rate revealed that M. cerebralis reduced feeding activity of T. tubifex by approximately 40%. Low energy intake and impaired energetic allocation may be the underlying mechanism behind reduced fecundity of infected T. tubifex.

Keywords

MyxozoaTubificidwhirling diseasefecundityclitellumfeedingparasitic castration
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 136 , Issue 6 , May 2009 , pp. 603 - 613
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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