Myxosoma cerebralis: Isolation and concentration from fish skeletal elements - Sequential enzymatic digestions and purification by differential centrifugation

An effective sequential procedure for recovery of Myxosoma cerebralis spores from infected trout was developed, and quantification of spores was carried out at each step of release and concentration. Methods are described for fresh and frozen material. Effective concentration of from 1100- to 9000-fold and an estimated efficiency of recovery of about 80% has been achieved. Tabular and graphic data are presented with recommendations for diagnostic applications. The immediate applications of these procedures are in implementing more effective detection and in preparing antigen for the immunologic studies that should provide the most sensitive detection.