Myxosoma cerebralis: Comparative sensitivity of spore detection methods

Abstract

Physical and biophysical methods of detecting spores of Myxosoma cerebralis were used in sequence on 87 individual fingerling rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) from two populations with a low incidence of infection. Physical methods of releasing spores from the organs of equilibrium, gill arches, or the axial skeleton gave an estimated rate of infection of 2.3–4.6%. Each succeeding step — pepsin digestion, trypsin digestion, and differential centrifugation through 55% dextrose solution — revealed additional infected fish. The final step of the sequence detected 10.5 times more infected fish than were found by examination of the organs of equilibrium or the axial skeleton with physical means; the true incidence was at least 24.1%. Procedures are described for using biophysical methods on 60-fish pools for hatchery inspection work and also on the more bony skeletons of mature fish.