Marteilia

Marteilia is a genus of endoparasitic protists belonging to the phylum Cercozoa. These parasites are known to infect molluscs, particularly bivalve molluscs such as oysters and mussels. Marteilia species are significant because some are responsible for economically important diseases in aquaculture, leading to mortalities and impacting shellfish production.

The life cycle of Marteilia is complex and not fully understood for all species. Generally, it involves multiple stages of development within the host, leading to the formation of spores that are released into the environment. These spores then infect new hosts, continuing the cycle. The mode of transmission between hosts is still under investigation, but likely involves direct contact or consumption of infected tissues.

One of the most well-known species is Marteilia refringens, which causes Marteiliosis, a disease affecting several species of oysters and mussels, especially in Europe. This disease is characterized by the proliferation of the parasite within the digestive gland and other tissues of the host, ultimately leading to debilitation and death.

Diagnosis of Marteilia infections typically involves histological examination of host tissues, looking for the characteristic parasite stages. Molecular techniques, such as PCR, can also be used for more sensitive and specific detection.

Control measures for Marteilia infections are challenging, as eradicating the parasite from the environment is difficult. Strategies often focus on preventing the spread of the disease, such as movement restrictions of shellfish, and selecting for resistant strains of molluscs.