Determining whether the bacterium can grow effectively in continuous and finite teleost cell lines, and what adverse effects growth has on the cells. Nadelspora canceri is a new genus and species of microsporidia. Microsporidia are interesting because the organisms have some characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and they are obligate intracellular parasites. We are currently doing prevalence surveys along the Pacific coast and are determining the methods of transmission and effects of the parasite on its host. We are interested in determining the relationship between this agent on others by RNA analysis.
Disseminated neoplasia is a lethal disease of bivalves which appears neoplastic in nature.
We are currently trying to determine if the disease can be vertically transmitted because very young animals appear to be affected with the disease. We are also trying to determine the biochemical characteristics of the cells involved in order to determine whether they have characteristics of neoplastic cells as found in mammals. We are finding antigenic stability after long storage of virus and consistent serotypes in particular regions of the world. From other areas, there is considerably more variation. Renibacterium grows well on teleost cells, and at low inocula, better than on specific media designed for its growth.