Global InformationQuahog parasite unknown information
The quahog parasite unknown, or QPX, is a single-celled protist parasite in the class Labyrinthulomycota that affects hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria; quahogs),[1] both cultured and wild.[2]
Parasites similar to QPX were first observed in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1959, when a mass death of hard clams was observed. Outbreaks have also occurred in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia, always only in quahog clams.[1][3]
Symptoms of QPX include chipping of the shells, mantle swelling, stunted shell growth and the development of nodules.[3][2]
- ^ a b Ragone Calvo, L.M.; Walker, J.G.; Burreson, E.M. (Jul 30, 1998). "Prevalence and distribution of QPX, Quahog Parasite Unknown, in hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria in Virginia, USA" (PDF). Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 33 (3): 209–19. doi:10.3354/dao033209. PMID 9745718.
- ^ a b Coen, Loren; Bobo, M. Yvonne; Richardson, Donnia; Anderson, Willam D. "Sheet for QPX (Quahog Parasite Unknown)" (PDF). Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ a b "QPX Disease in Hard Clams" (PDF). Sea Grant New York. Retrieved 30 October 2016.