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The use of host specificity, pathogenicity, and molecular markers to differentiate between Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957 and G. thymalli Zitnan, 1960 (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2002

E. STERUD
Affiliation:
National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
T. A. MO
Affiliation:
National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
C. M. COLLINS
Affiliation:
FRS Marine Laboratory, P.O. Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK
C. O. CUNNINGHAM
Affiliation:
FRS Marine Laboratory, P.O. Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK

Abstract

The validity of Gyrodactylus thymalli has been questioned, based on its morphological and genetic resemblance to G. salaris. This taxonomic problem has practical implications regarding correct diagnosis of G. salaris, which has proved to be highly pathogenic to stocks of wild Norwegian Atlantic salmon. The host specificity and pathogenicity of G. salaris and G. thymalli were experimentally tested on salmon and grayling. Both parasite species were able to infect, live and reproduce on both fish species. G. salaris was highly pathogenic for the experimental stock of salmon, while grayling mounted an effective response against this parasite. Both fish species responded to an infection with G. thymalli. The results did not support the hypothesis of conspecificity between G. thymalli and G. salaris. The ribosomal RNA gene intergenic spacer of both species was sequenced. Variation in sequence was lower than expected for different species. Variation in the sequences of tandemly repeated elements was found and may prove useful in distinguishing G. salaris and G. thymalli.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 Cambridge University Press

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