Immunological resources for the abalone parasite Perkinsus olseni to support the development of new diagnostic tools

The worldwide abalone industry is adversely affected by infections from Perkinsus parasites. The industry and the parasite's lifecycle and effects are first reviewed. Through immunology and proteomics techniques, two monoclonal antibodies were developed to specifically target Perkinsus olseni. These antibodies show a strong potential for application in a future diagnostic test that would support the Australian abalone. Finally, a thraustochytrid from the Aurantiochytrium genus was isolated and cultured from an abalone in Western Australia. This isolate was described and characterised molecularly and microscopically, with the potential for biocomponents production.