Development and standardization of PCR technique to detect myxozoan parasites and its use in identification of two exotic Myxobolus species from Indian catfish Clarias batrachus (linn.)

Abstract

The international trade of live aquatic animals has gained a momentum in recent years. To facilitate this trade disease/pathogen related risks associated with fish movement have to be minimized. Tests done through molecular tools for confirming presence/absence of a pathogen in consignment have been approved most appropriate by International Organization of Epizootics (OIE), WTO, FAO and NACA, Bangkok. With the help of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of RNA/DNA, it has become possible to rapidly detect the pathogen even if the quantity of DNA/RNA is very little. In India, there is a paucity or we can say total lack of work on molecular diagnostics of fish parasites particularly 'Protozoans'. Hence we developed and standardized the DNA/RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique for detection of Myxozoan (Protozoan) parasites. Further, two exotic species of Myxobolus Butschli, 1882 from an Indian catfish Clarias batrachus have also been detected and identified with the help of present PCR technique which are reported here.