Molecular diagnostics, field validation, and phylogenetic analysis of Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX), a pathogen of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria
http://www.int-res.com/articles/dao2003/52/d052p233.pdf

N. A. Stokes, L. M. Ragone Calvo, K. S. Reece, E. M. Burreson, Diseases of Aquatic Organisms


This Diseases of Aquatic Organisms scholarly article (PDF) addresses earlier phylogenetic analyses that confirmed QPX (Quahog Parasite Unknown) - a protistan parasite that causes disease and mortality in the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria - is a member of the Labyrinthulomycota phylum, but could not definitively demonstrate that all QPX organisms were from the same species. The objectives of this study were: to develop sensitive and specific molecular tools (e.g., PCR primers and a DNA probe) in order to diagnose QPX in hard clams; to field validate the PCR QPX diagnostic assay relative to standard histological diagnostic methods; and to utilize the molecular tools to determine the relationship of geographically distinct putative QPX organisms from the United States and Canada. This article may require a subscription to view.

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Subject: Biology:Evolution:Patterns, Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Biology:Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Microbiology:Methods of Microbiology :Molecular Methods, Biology:Microbiology:Microbiology and Health, Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Research Results
Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Lower (13-14)
Ocean Environments: Coastal and Estuarine
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Ecology