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Distribution and pathogenicity of Tetrahymena limacis in the slug Deroceras reticulatum*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

E. H. Michelson
E. H. Michelson
Affiliation:
Department of Tropical Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
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Extract

The distribution of Tetrahymena limacis in its natural host Deroceras reticulatum, and the tissue responses to infection are described. Contrary to previous observations, T. limacis occurred throughout the tissues and organs of its host; the organisms were especially numerous in the kidney, the mantle shield, and in grossly visible papules on the external epithelium. Aspirates from such papules yielded numerous ciliates.

T. limacis elicited a considerable pathologic response and appeared to contribute to an increase in morbidity and mortality among slugs. Tissue responses were focal (fibrotic encapsulation of isolated organisms) and diffuse (necrosis, mechanical tissue destruction, and metaplasia). Efforts to establish infection in seven species of molluscs other than D. reticulatum were unsuccessful.

An extramolluscan cyst stage of T. limacis is reported for the first time. Both resting and reproductive cysts were observed. Since free-swimming trophozoites of T. limacis are not long lived, the organism is more likely an obligate rather than a facultative parasite of molluscs. Observations also suggest that slugs are infected via the respiratory pore rather than orally.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the aid and counsel given by Dr J. O. Corliss in identifying the ciliate and to Miss Lorin DuBois for technical assistance.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 62 , Issue 1 , February 1971 , pp. 125 - 131
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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References

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