Aquatic Parasite Cultures and Their Applications. Issue 12 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hutson, Kate S.; Cable, Joanne; Grutter, Alexandra S.; Paziewska-Harris, Anna; Barber, Iain
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 34:Issue 12(2018)
• Page Start: 1082
• Page End: 1096
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: aquatic pathogens -- in vitro culture -- in vivo culture -- animal ethics and welfare -- animal production -- emerging infectious diseases; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : In this era of unprecedented growth in aquaculture and trade, aquatic parasite cultures are essential to better understand emerging diseases and their implications for human and animal health. Yet culturing parasites presents multiple challenges, arising from their complex, often multihost life cycles, multiple developmental stages, variable generation times and reproductive modes. Furthermore, the essential environmental requirements of most parasites remain enigmatic. Despite these inherent difficulties, in vivo and in vitro cultures are being developed for a small but growing number of aquatic pathogens. Expanding this resource will facilitate diagnostic capabilities and treatment trials, thus supporting the growth of sustainable aquatic commodities and communities. Highlights: A growing number of aquatic parasite cultures are available, primarily to facilitate disease management in animal production but also to advance our understanding of host–parasite interactions and evolution. Cultures can supply parasite life stages that are challenging to collect in aquatic environments (i.e., small and dispersed). In vitro methodologies reduce the need for live animal models whilst meeting the parasite's nutritional requirements and signaling factors that support sequential propagation. Parasite virulence differs in stability in culture, with some strains attenuating more rapidly than others. Difficulties in both in vivo and in vitro aquatic parasite culturing can be overcome through hybrid methodologies, or focussing on just one stage of the life cycle.