Virus-like particles associated with mortalities of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in England.
Mortalities of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850) were reported in southern England (Kent and Poole Harbour) during late spring of 2008. In response to these reported mortalities, samples were collected from 5 sites across the south coast of England. Clams were sampled for both histology and electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed unenveloped virus-like particles within the connective tissue of the gills and surrounding the tubules in the digestive gland. The virus-like particles appeared to be free within the cytoplasm or associated with endoplasmic reticulum membranes and cytoplasmic vesicles. Particles were icosahedral in shape, with a diameter of 25 to 30 nm. The location, size and morphology of the virus-like particles suggest that they belong to the Picornaviridae family. This is the first report of this virus infection in wild and farmed R. philippinarum within the UK.
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK. kelly.bateman@cefas.co.uk
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Bateman
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White
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Longshaw
D000818:Animals; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000821:virology*; D004739:England; D009132:Muscles / Q000821:virology*; D014771:Virion