Detection of the thraustochytrid protist Ulkenia visurgensis in a hydroid, using immunofluorescence

Abstract

An immunofluorescence technique was employed to detect the thraustochytrid protist Ulkenia visurgensis (Ulken) Gaertner, originally isolated from an algal bed, in natural samples in Goa, India Collections were made monthly from September 1985 to November 1986 By treating the samples with antiserum prepared against this organism and conjugated with FITC stain, the protist was regularly found to occur in association with a hydroid Several cells of the organism were observed in the coelenteron and the hydranth of the hydroid The thraustochytrid could be repeatedly isolated in cultures from the hydroid The cells of the protist differed from those in culture in that they lacked ectoplasmic net elements