Novel diagnostic tests for the putative agent of bacterial gill disease in Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula)

Brooke A Travis; William N. Batts; Maya Groner; Paul Hershberger; Steven C. Fradkin; Carla M. Conway; Linda Park; Maureen K. Purcell

doi:10.1016/j.jip.2020.107519

USGS · 70217184

Novel diagnostic tests for the putative agent of bacterial gill disease in Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula)

Brooke A Travis·William N. Batts·Maya Groner·Paul Hershberger·Steven C. Fradkin·Carla M. Conway·Linda Park·Maureen K. Purcell

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Abstract

Nuclear inclusion X (NIX) is a gamma proteobacteria that infects the nuclei of gill epithelial cells in Pacific razor clams. NIX has been associated with clam die-offs in coastal Washington. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to detect NIX in Pacific razor clams, and assay specificity was confirmed by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Both tests were applied to evaluate NIX infections in wild Pacific razor clams collected during spring 2019. Consistent with results from earlier histopathological assessments, qPCR and CISH indicated 100% prevalence in razor clams from two Washington beaches and 0% prevalence from two Alaskan beaches.

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Journal of Invertebrate Pathology Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 46.30994431269357° to 60.39825375597505° latitude; -154.14230346679688° to -123.86741638183594° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Brooke A Travis, William N. Batts, Maya Groner, Paul Hershberger, Steven C. Fradkin, Carla M. Conway, Linda Park, Maureen K. Purcell. 2021. Novel diagnostic tests for the putative agent of bacterial gill disease in Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2020.107519

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