Dermocystidium from cultured eels, Anguilla anguilla L., in Scotland

An outbreak of Dermocystidium infection in cultured eels, Anguilla anguilla L., from Scotland is described. The disease appeared in the winter months but did not cause significant mortalities or adversely affect the growth of the eels. Infected eels had large, elongate white cysts on the gills. The cysts consisted of a homogeneous layer of parasite origin surrounded by a fibrous capsule and hyper-plastic epithelium. Within the cysts were small spherical parasite cells with a densely staining central area and peripheral granular, vacuolated cytoplasm. The cell wall appeared to be broken down in many cases and the cells appeared degenerate. The cysts eventually collapsed and the cavity was filled with epidermal tissue.