this is my theory, and it has nothing to do with the research being done, but from what has tricked out to me so far my theory is at least on the right track.
ive been tracking any post i can find on the net about PM for the last 3 years, trying to find some common denominator. a few years ago i came across this post by a physician
originally posted by Nuhtty
"I have studied the effects of heavy metal toxicity in humans and the role that iron chelators play (chemicals that "eat up" iron making it unable to form molecular bonds) so interestingly I was familiar with research that studied iron chelators and protozoal infections. In this case, P. atlanticus which affects the Carpet Shell Clams.
Below I linked a study from 2003 that investigates the role of 2 such iron chelators and their effect on the protozoal infections.
I dont know your scientific background so forgive me if I am speaking down to you.
Here is what the study showed:
- Iron chelators inhibited the growth of P. atlanticus
- No growth of P. atlanticus = no dead clams
- Removal of iron chelators (therefore the ability for iron to be used in the protozoa again) = protozoa grew more rapidly
So when you added the iron to your system you allowed the Perkinsus protozoa (difficult to tell which species in this case) to grow and therefore kill your clams.
There is no known "treatment" per se, but removal of iron from the system should be all that is needed.
I would recommend water changes and removal of all clams, abalone, scallops and other similar animals from your system.
Continue water changes until your iron readings are undetectable...then do MORE water changes. I would say a good water change per week for 2 months past the time when there is NO detectable iron would put you in the safe range.
From that point on be cautious in the livestock you choose. Try to buy farm raised clams as these specimens are less likely to be infected with the protozoa.
Here are 2 links for more reading. Again, I dont know your scientific background so if you need help interpreting any of the data or you want me to help "translate" some of the scientific jargon I would be more than happy to do so.
Hope I have been informative.
(this is a PDF file so you need Acrobat to read it)
http://www.ualg.pt/fcma/edge/Articles/Elan...20chelator'
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/shelldis/.../perkincc_e.htm"
quote from this thread
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74863&st=0
there has been a type of Perkinsus found, but DNA sequencing needs to be done to positively ID it so a treatment can be developed.
i believe that by introducing iron into the system, whether by GFO or chelated iron that its causing a similar effect as shown in the links/thread quoted. i have first hand experience with this as i have lost 12 clams to this condition. i tried every treatment out there with out success, untill i filled an old skimmer body with 2gal of carbon and ran about 800gph through it. with in 12 hours the clams were fine. but IMO finding out exactly whats causing this and killing it is still needed.
