Ovacystis-like condition in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Histological examination of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica from a study in Pensacola Bay, Florida, revealed 2 cases of abnormally large, basophilic ova that resembled cells characteristic of ovacystis disease previously reported in oysters from Maine and Long Island. The hypertrophied gametes measured up to 250 pm in diameter, had scant cytoplasm and contained granular nuclear-masses of Feulgen-positive material. Electron microscopy of reclaimed tissue revealed these masses to consist of virus-like particles (average 46 nm) similar to those reported in cases of ovacystis.
Winstead
James T
JT
US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Gulf Ecology Division, 1 Sabine Island Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561, USA. winstead.jim@epa.gov
Courtney
Lee A
LA
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000662:veterinary; D010125:Ostreidae / Q000821:virology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology*; D014771:Virion / Q000648:ultrastructure*