Development of a novel assay for extensive characterization of the germination conditions of Spraguea americanus: a microsporidian parasite of the American anglerfish (Lophius americanus).

The microsporidia are a widespread group of intracellular parasites which infect a broad range of hosts across the animal kingdom. In particular, the microsporidian Spraguea americanus has received considerable attention in recent years due to its role as an endemic pathogen in American anglerfish (Lophius americanus), a species of highly valued finfish currently at risk due to overfishing. However, like many species of microsporidia, the germination responses of S.