Dermocystidium

ALSO KNOWN AS: Dermocystidiosis

Dermocystidium is a genus of parasitic organisms that infect the skin and gills of fish, forming cyst-like structures. Infected fish may display visible cysts, inflammation, and tissue damage at the infection site.

Distribution: Various freshwater and marine environments

Detection Methods: Microscopic exam – wet mount, gross pathology / gross clinical signs

Hosts: Various fish species, including Fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Target Tissue: Skin, gills