Perkinsus sp. infestation in carpet-shell clams, Ruditapes decussatus (L), along the Portuguese coast. Results from a 2-year survey

This study characterises Perkinsus atlanticus disease prevalence and intensity within the economically important beds of the clam Ruditapes decussatus along the Iberian Atlantic coast. Samples were collected from five different sites along the Portuguese coast (Ria Formosa, Ria do Alvor, V.N. Milfontes, Aveiro, Lagoa de Obidos) and in Galicia (Ria de Arosa) between winter 2000/2001 and 2002/2003. The infection level was evaluated by the Ray Fluid Thioglycollate medium (RFTM) method using the body burden assay. In addition, the measure of the condition index (CI) (percentage between the edible part and the total weight of the clams) was conducted to investigate a possible correlation between this parameter and the intensity of the infection. However, no clear relationship between infection intensity and condition index (CI) could be determined although a significant decline in CI was found for heavily infected clams. Results of a 2-year survey demonstrate the presence of Perkinsus sp. in all sampling sites albeit with different intensities. Sites where human interference was minimal showed the lowest levels of infection. There were no significant differences in Perkinsus sp. infection intensity between samples collected in winter and summer, in contrast with several studies describing higher intensities at the end of the summer. Nevertheless, major differences were observed from year to year and site to site, indicating that factors other than those responsible for seasonal climatic variations might affect the prevalence and the intensity of Perkinsus sp. infection.