\u3ci\u3eCalyptospora-Funduli\u3c/i\u3e (Apicomplexa, Calyptosporidae) in the Liver of the Gulf Toadfish, \u3ci\u3eOpsanus-Beta\u3c/i\u3e

Oocysts of the apicomplexan protozoan Calyptospora funduli were found in the liver of a gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta). The infected specimen was 1 of 54 (1.9%) toadfish livers examined histologically. The paraffin-embedded specimen containing the infection as well as similar material from Fundulus similis were processed for scanning electron microscopical (SEM) examination to view diagnostic surface features of C. funduli sporocysts. SEM examination confirmed sporopodia and a thin veil surrounding each of the 4 sporocysts per oocyst. Although a single case, the toadfish infection expands the broad host specificity of C. funduli to include a host other than an atheriniform fish species

Review: Marine Ecology - Emerging Marine Diseases - Climate Links and Anthropogenic Factors

Mass mortalities due to disease outbreaks have recently affected major taxa in the oceans. For closely monitored groups like corals and marine mammals, reports of the frequency of epidemics and the number of new diseases have increased recently. A dramatic global increase in the severity of coral bleaching in 1997-98 is coincident with high El Nino temperatures. Such climate-mediated, physiological stresses may compromise host resistance and increase frequency of opportunistic diseases. Where documented, new diseases typically have emerged through host or range shifts of known pathogens. Both climate and human activities may have also accelerated global transport of species, bringing together pathogens and previously unexposed host populations