Myxozoan Research Forum 2021 - the ‘MyxoMixer’: Advances, methods, and problems yet to be solved in myxozoan research

Abstract

Myxozoans are morphologically reduced and genetically derived cnidarian parasites that have acquired annelids and bryozoans as their primary hosts, and vertebrates, predominantly fish, as their secondary hosts. Several myxozoans are known pathogens impacting freshwater and marine aquaculture production systems, with some species classified as emerging pathogens promoted by climate change processes. Despite the obvious need, there is currently no general legalized treatment or vaccine for myxozoans. Solutions are delayed due to quirks in the biological and molecular characteristics of myxozoans, and by the lack of tools and consensus in research approaches used to tackle the most economically impactful myxozoans.