Histopathology and host response in lithodid crabs parasitized by Briarosaccus callosus

Abstract

Two red (Paralithodes camtschatica) and 26 golden (Lthodes aequispina) king crabs parasitized by the rhzocephalan Briarosaccus callosus were examined microscopically for histopathological effects of and host response to the parasite. Although numerous organs were invaded and tissues displaced, replaced or compacted, there was little necrosis or degeneration of tissues other than gonads. Host response to healthy B. callosus was negliqble, but degenerating rootlets of the parasite elicited heavy hemocytic response in a typical crustacean foreign-body reaction.