A review of the myxosporean genus Kudoa Meglitsch, 1947, and its impact on the international aquaculture industry and commercial fisheries
1999
Moran, J.D.W. | Whitaker, D.J. | Kent, M.L.
The genus Kudoa Meglitsch, 1947 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) is comprised of myxosporean parasites with four valves, each of which contains a polar capsule. Species within this genus are typically histozoic parasites of marine teleosts. However, since the establishment of the genus, a few coelozoic species have been described. Presently, there are 44 identified species within the genus. This genus is of concern to both aquaculture and commercial fisheries because several of its species either produce unsightly macroscopic cysts in the musculature or are associated with post-mortem myoliquefaction, and thus reduce the market value of the infected fish products. With the emergence of marine aquaculture, concerns regarding Kudoa infections have increased significantly in recent years. Based upon the literature gathered, a taxonomic review of the genus is warranted to verify the host range, geographical distribution, and validity of several of its species. The use of molecular systematics to answer these questions has been initiated. Furthermore, PCR tests have been developed using small-subunit rDNA sequence for a few Kudoa species, which will be useful for resolving the life cycles of these important marine parasites.
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