Microsporidian parasite of the white prawn Penaeus merguiensis de Man: A preliminary report

Abstract

Electron microscopy of the ovary of the white prawn, Penaeus merguiensis De Man reveals the presence of the different stages in the life cycle of a species of microsporidia. This is the first such report of microsporidian infection of prawns, locally or abroad. Heavy infection causes the whitening of the entire ovary and the inability of spawners to spawn, a condition which unless controlled is a serious threat to prawn culture. Studies are being undertaken with the end in-view of controlling and/or preventing the infection.