Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX) is an opportunistic protistan pathogen of the clam Mercenaria mercenaria. Infections with QPX have caused significant economic losses in the Northeastern United States. Previous research demonstrated a geographic gradient for disease prevalence and intensity, but little information is available on the genetic diversity of the parasite throughout its distribution range. Also, QPX virulence factors are not well understood. This study addresses the occurrence of QPX genetic variants with a particular focus on functions involved in virulence and adaptation to environmental conditions. |
