Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Moore, Jon
Abstract
Bonamia spp., a haplosporidian protistan parasite, was first reported in Florida in 2007 in oyster species cultured at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in water from the Indian River Lagoon. Previous research (summer 2010 and 2011) evaluated prevalence and intensity of infections in IRL bivalve species. This study seeks to examine the seasonal effect on parasite prevalence and infection intensity. Bivalves from three sites in the IRL were sampled summer, fall, and winter 2012. Prevalence (general and species specific) was evaluated using PCR. Intensity of infection was evaluated using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Highest prevalence (31.9-48.9%) was seen at all three sites in the fall. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed highest intensity in the fall (2.08) and lowest in the summer (0.85). Overall prevalence and intensity of infection followed the seasonal trend observed by other researchers in more temperate regions with harsher winter seasons than Florida.
Recommended Citation
Gallagher, Kaitlin, "Seasonal effects on the prevalence and intensity of the parasite Bonamia spp. in bivalves from the Indian River Lagoon" (2013). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 147.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/147
Extent
47 p.
Identifier
FA00003513
Comments
Includes bibliography.