Host Range of the Mikrocytid Parasite in Decapod Crustaceans.

Mikrocytids are a widespread but rather neglected group of parasites of aquatic invertebrates. One such parasite is -discovered to infect the antennal gland of the juvenile edible crab, , taken from several intertidal sites across the United Kingdom. To determine if this parasite is also present in other species of decapod crustaceans, we surveyed crabs ( = 330) across two contrasting sites in Pembrokeshire (UK). Using a histopathological approach, infection was confirmed in variable numbers of edible crabs from both survey sites, 7%-44%. No measurable signs of infection were encountered in four other co-located species, including European shore crabs (), Montagu's crabs (), velvet swimming crabs () and broad-clawed porcelain crabs (). These data imply that has a more limited host range than suggested by molecular diagnosis alone.