Green algal infection of American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) exoskeletal structures


Abstract:

Degenerative lesions in the dorsum of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) exoskeleton, eyes, arthrodial membrane, and base of the telson were documented in a population of wild caught laboratory animals. The disease can lead to loss of tissue structure and function, deformed shells, abnormal molting, loss of ocular structures, erosion of interskeletal membranes, and cardiac hemorrhage. Microscopy, histopathology, and in vitro culture confirmed the causative agent to be a green algae of the family Ulvaceae. Further research may explain how green algae overcome horseshoe crab innate immunity leading to external and internal damage. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Año de publicación:

2012

Keywords:

  • Limulus polyphemus
  • disease
  • Horseshoe crab
  • Green algae

Fuente:

scopusscopus

Tipo de documento:

Article

Estado:

Acceso restringido

Áreas de conocimiento:

  • Ecología
  • Ecología
  • Paleontología

Áreas temáticas:

  • Invertebrados
  • Arthropoda
  • Vertebrados de sangre fría