Group-specific environmental sequencing reveals high levels of ecological heterogeneity across the microsporidian radiation.

The description of diversity is a key imperative in current biological studies and has been revolutionised by the molecular era that allows easy access to microbial diversity not visible to the naked eye. Broadly targeted SSU rRNA gene amplicon studies of diverse environmental habitats continue to reveal new microbial eukaryotic diversity. However, some eukaryotic lineages, particularly parasites, have divergent SSU sequences, and are therefore undersampled or excluded by the methodologies used for SSU studies.

Increased disease calls for a cost-benefits review of marine reserves.

Marine reserves (or No-Take Zones) are implemented to protect species and habitats, with the aim of restoring a balanced ecosystem. Although the benefits of marine reserves are commonly monitored, there is a lack of insight into the potential detriments of such highly protected waters. High population densities attained within reserves may induce negative impacts such as unfavourable trophic cascades and disease outbreaks.

Characterization and molecular epidemiology of a fungal infection of edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) and interaction of the fungus with the dinoflagellate parasite Hematodinium.

This study reports on an emerging fungal disease of the edible crab, Cancer pagurus. Juvenile (prerecruit) crabs were found to be subject to this disease condition during the months of May to September at two intertidal sites in South Wales, United Kingdom. Histopathology revealed that the fungi overwhelm the host response in the tissues, leading to progressive septicemia.

Occurrence of the parasite genus Hematodinium (Alveolata: Syndinea) in the water column.

Crustaceans worldwide are infected with alveolate parasites of the genus Hematodinium, causing substantial losses to langoustine and crab fisheries. The distinct seasonality in Hematodinium occurrence in their decapod hosts, as well as unsuccessful attempts at transmission, suggest the existence of life stages outside their benthic crustacean hosts. We used a nested polymerase chain reaction method to detect Hematodinium rDNA in the environment and in potential alternative hosts.

Physiological responses of three crustacean species to infection by the dinoflagellate-like protist Hematodinium (Alveolata: Syndinea).

This is the first study comparing physiological responses of three decapod species to infection by parasites of the genus Hematodinium, which belongs to the dinoflagellate-like Syndinea. Responses varied profoundly between the crabs Carcinus maenas and Cancer pagurus (Brachyura), but also differed to those of hermit crabs, Pagurus bernhardus (Anomura). Osmoregulatory capacity was reduced significantly in Hematodinium-infected C.

Genetic diversity of the crustacean parasite Hematodinium (Alveolata, Syndinea).

In the absence of distinct morphological characteristics, knowledge of genetic relationships within and between protist parasite species is important for determining reservoir hosts and understanding the biology of the causative agents of emerging diseases. The genus Hematodinium is a member of Syndinea, an ubiquitous alveolate group found in all oceanic environments. Hematodinium parasites cause epizootics in crustaceans, yet their life cycle, genotypic variety and their phylogeny is poorly understood.