Cytopathology of Ceratomyxa sp. (Myxosporea) hyperparasitized with the microsporidan Nosema ceratomyxae

Abstract

The ultrastructural features of Ceratomyxa sp. (Myxosporea) hyperparasitized by the microsporidan Nosema ceratomyxae are reported. The myxosporean is itself a parasite in the gall bladder of rabbitfish (Siganus ) from the Red Sea. N. ceratomyxae infections are associated with degenerative processes in the myxosporean plasmodium. Sporogenesis of the myxosporean is affected, resulting in formation of aberrant spores or alternatively, total inhibition of sporulation.