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Novel diagnostic tests for the putative agent of bacterial gill disease in Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula)

December 14, 2020

Nuclear inclusion X (NIX) is a gamma proteobacteria that infects the nuclei of gill epithelial cells in Pacific razor clams. NIX has been associated with clam die-offs in coastal Washington. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to detect NIX in Pacific razor clams, and assay specificity was confirmed by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Both tests were applied to evaluate NIX infections in wild Pacific razor clams collected during spring 2019. Consistent with results from earlier histopathological assessments, qPCR and CISH indicated 100% prevalence in razor clams from two Washington beaches and 0% prevalence from two Alaskan beaches.

Publication Year 2021
Title Novel diagnostic tests for the putative agent of bacterial gill disease in Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula)
DOI 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107519
Authors Brooke A Travis, William N. Batts, Maya Groner, Paul Hershberger, Steven C. Fradkin, Carla M. Conway, Linda Park, Maureen K. Purcell
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Index ID 70217184
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Fisheries Research Center