Molecular biological studies on myxosporeans
Informations
- Funding country
Hungary- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 4/1/2004
- End date
- 12/31/2006
- Budget
- 13,607 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Programme | Grant | 4/1/2004 | 12/31/2006 | 13,607 EUR |
Abstract
The fish-parasitic myxosporeans (Myxosporea) have economic and scientific importance because they frequently occur in fish, and some species may cause serious diseases. The unique life cycle of myxosporeans that is connected to two alternate hosts (a fish and an invertebrate, mostly oligochaete host) has still unclear parts. Due to the research work of several international research groups, the molecular biological studies on myxosporeans have given promising results, but our knowledge about myxosporeans is still not sufficient to draw conclusions concerning the evolution and genetic relationship of myxosporeans and the evolutionary background of host-parasite interactions. In the present project, we plan to continue the molecular biological studies on myxosporeans, which was started in our Institute four years ago. By the examination of further myxosporean species, we plan to expand the phylogenetic analysis of these parasites and thereby to understand the factors influencing the evolution of myxosporeans and their hosts. Furthermore, we would like to develop an in situ hybridization method, which would determine the route of infection caused by myxosporeans in fish host from the early developmental stages of parasites till the appearance of mature spores. It is important particularly in the case of Sphaerospora renicola known as the causative agent of swimbladder inflammation of cyprinids. As a common parasite of carp, this species also has economic importance in Hungary.