DAO 70:251-254 (2006)  -  doi:10.3354/dao070251

ABSTRACT: The protozoans Ancistrum mytili (Oligohymenophorea: Ancistridae) and Marteilia refringens/maurini (Marteiliidea: Marteiliidae) were found parasitizing cultured mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis L. in the Thermaikos Gulf (north Aegean Sea, Greece). The former did not affect the condition index of infected mussels, in contrast to the latter, which did so and which also induced hemocyte infiltration in the affected digestive epithelium. The prevalence of both parasites was relatively high in a polluted area.

KEY WORDS: Ancistrum mytili · Marteilia refringens/maurini · Mytilus galloprovincialis · Mussel pathogens