Distribution of the Dinoflagellate parasite Parvilucifera infectans (Parkinsozoa) along the Swedish coast

• Dinoflagellate parasites, e.g. Parvilucifera infectans Noren et Moestrup, 1996 can potentially control dinoflagellate blooms and thereby modify plankton communities and nutrient fluxes. Parvilucifera infectans has been detected in Swedish waters, but its distribution is largely unknown. Based on 18S rRNA sequences of 2 P. infectans isolates of different geographic origin (Sweden and Tasmania), we designed 2 primer pairs for specific PCR amplification of rRNA fragments from these parasites. We screened for presence of F infectans in a salinity gradient along the Swedish coastline (2 to 30 parts per thousand, 13 stations) from June to August 2004. Parasites were only detected in July and August at 3 stations in the region with highest salinity (Skagerrak). Presence of parasites was correlated with high abundances of dinoflagellate hosts (Prorocentrum spp., Ceratium spp.) but was also restricted to warm and saline waters. In addition, these stations were characterized by low bacterial abundances, low chl a and low nutrient levels. Parasites were not detected in this region in June, when temperatures were lower (< 15 degrees C) and microzooplankton predators were most abundant. Hence, our study reveals both temporal and spatial patchiness of P. infectans in coastal waters.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Parvilucifera infectans

eukaryotic parasite

18S rRNA probe

dinoflagellate

harmful algal bloom

Skagerrak

Oresund

Baltic Sea

Freshwater ecology

Limnisk ekologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)