Spirochetes of the genus Cristispira in bivalve molluscs of Eastern Canadian waters

MacDougall, Raeburn Drummond (1971) Spirochetes of the genus Cristispira in bivalve molluscs of Eastern Canadian waters. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Seven species of bivalve molluscs, from waters of eastern Canada, were examined for the presence of Cristispira spp. during the years 1968-I969. Field investigations revealed that, of these seven species, only Crassostrea virginica Gmelin harboured this "I large spirochete. -- Laboratory investigations into the source of these spirochetes and their mode of infection included examination of water and sediment, removal of spirochetes from infected oysters, and subsequent attempts to re-infect them. The life-history of these spirochetes was found to involve transverse binary fission. -- The occurrence and degree of infection of Cristispira spp. in a population of artificially-reared C. virginica was studied. Examination of styles and digestive contents indicates that, in these oysters, the occurrence of Cristispira spp. may be seasonal and releated to the reproductive cycle of the oysters. -- Possible factors influencing the incidence of Cristispira spp. in bivalve molluscs are discussed.

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