Heterosporis sp. prevalence and severity among yellow perch in Lake Champlain
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Heterosporis sp. is a microsporidian parasite that affects muscle tissue function in lake fish, detectable by a ‘freezer-burned’ appearance in the fillet. Prevalence in Lake Champlain among yellow perch has been observed, but not yet quantified. The goal of this project is to determine the prevalence across four lake sites. Visual inspection of the fillet and light microscopy of homogenized muscle tissue were used to identify presence of spores and infection severity. Next steps include using PCR analysis to identify if visibly negative individuals may be molecularly harboring Heterosporis sp.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Martinsen
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biological Sciences, Integrated
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Heterosporis sp. prevalence and severity among yellow perch in Lake Champlain
Heterosporis sp. is a microsporidian parasite that affects muscle tissue function in lake fish, detectable by a ‘freezer-burned’ appearance in the fillet. Prevalence in Lake Champlain among yellow perch has been observed, but not yet quantified. The goal of this project is to determine the prevalence across four lake sites. Visual inspection of the fillet and light microscopy of homogenized muscle tissue were used to identify presence of spores and infection severity. Next steps include using PCR analysis to identify if visibly negative individuals may be molecularly harboring Heterosporis sp.