New technologies in the fight against fish diseases
The EC-funded MYXFISHCONTROL project studied the Enteromyxum leei parasite to learn about the underlying pathology behind myxidiosis in a variety of fish populations. Evaluating the epidemiological aspect of the disease among specific fish populations was an important parameter of the project, deemed crucial in the efforts to control the parasite's spread. Project partners worked on innovative methods to detect the Enteromyxum leei parasite in fish tissues. Researchers have found it challenging not only to detect early stages of infection but also to differentiate between different stages of parasite development. Spanish-based CSIC used in situ hybridisation (ISH) to detect specific Enteromyxum leei stages. The ISH method utilises specific DNA or RNA strands to detect the presence of complementary strands in specific tissues. ISH studies revealed that showed that other myxozoan species are present in what was perceived to be early stages of infection in at least some fish. Furthermore, the presence of Enteromyxum leei outside the target organs was also confirmed. Supporting this line of research is likely to yield further insight into myxidiosis and likely ways to combat it.
