Apoptosis in flat and cupped oysters was investigated in the context of in vitro infections with the parasite Bonamia ostreae.

Contact with live and inactivated B. ostreae induces modifications of tested apoptosis parameters in both oyster species.

The apoptotic response in the flat oyster seems to be more specific to Bonamia ostreae than in the cupped oyster.

Apoptosis: an important mechanism developed by Ostrea edulis against bonamiosis.