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A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 25042

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Dr. Silvana Teresa Tapia Paniagua

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Guest Editor

Department of Microbiology, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
Interests: microbiota; metagenomics; omics-data; probiotics; antibiotics; bioinformatics

Dr. Patricia Díaz-Rosales

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Guest Editor

Animal Health Research Centre (CISA-INIA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
Interests: search for new functional ingredients; evaluation of the effect of new ingredients in the fish immune response; use of functional ingredients as potential adjuvants in oral vaccines
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture is a solution to the depletion of fisheries resources and the increase in global food demand. However, due to husbandry practices one of the main constraints in aquaculture production is infectious diseases. Thus, infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi are major causes of mortality and economic losses in commercial aquaculture. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the process of disease outbreak; a complex network of interactions between host, pathogen, and environment. Increased knowledge of the infectious process will help us to find strategies for the prevention and control of diseases.

This Special Issue, entitled Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals, aims to provide a collection of articles with recent insights into aquaculture infectious disease research, including disease impact and control. Original research, reviews, and short communications dealing with outbreaks, microorganism–host interactions, microbial pathogenic and virulence processes, treatment and prevention approaches, techniques for rapid detection of the pathogen, and the development of diagnosis methods are welcome.

Dr. Silvana Teresa Tapia Paniagua
Dr. Patricia Díaz-Rosales
Guest Editors

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Keywords

microorganisms
diseases
aquatic animals
prevention
diagnosis
pathogenesis
virulence
vaccines
microbiota
immune system

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 7552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combination of β-Glucan and Astragalus Polysaccharide Effectively Resists Nocardia seriolae Infection in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

by Fengxia Zhao, Xingchen Huo, Pengxu Wang, Qian Liu, Chunrong Yang and Jianguo Su

Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102529 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1762

Abstract

Effectively treating and preventing outbreaks is crucial for improving the economic benefits of aquaculture. Therefore, utilizing immunostimulants, either alone or in combination, is regarded as a promising strategy. In this study, β-glucan + APS (200 mg/kg + 200 mg/kg), β-glucan (200 mg/kg), APS (200 mg/kg), enrofloxacin (15 mg/kg), and sulfadiazine (15 mg/kg) were added to feed to assess the effects against Nocardia seriolae infection in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) within 14 days. The survival rates did not differ between the enrofloxacin group and the β-glucan + APS group, but both were significantly higher than that of the control group. Additionally, the enrofloxacin group and the β-glucan + APS group exhibited the lowest bacterial loads and tissue damage. Importantly, the β-glucan + APS treatment significantly improved serum enzyme activities (total superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, total protein) and the expression of immune genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgM) compared to the other treatment groups. The enrofloxacin group showed similar efficacy to the β-glucan + APS group in combating N. seriolae infection, but N. seriolae in the enrofloxacin group developed drug resistance. In summary, the combined use of β-glucan and APS is a promising strategy for treating bacterial diseases, thereby contributing to the promotion of sustainable aquaculture development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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13 pages, 3559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LPS-Induced Mortality in Zebrafish: Preliminary Characterisation of Common Fish Pathogens

by Rafaela A. Santos, Cláudia Cardoso, Neide Pedrosa, Gabriela Gonçalves, Jorge Matinha-Cardoso, Filipe Coutinho, António P. Carvalho, Paula Tamagnini, Aires Oliva-Teles, Paulo Oliveira and Cláudia R. Serra

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092205 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1915

Abstract

Disease outbreaks are a common problem in aquaculture, with serious economic consequences to the sector. Some of the most important bacterial diseases affecting aquaculture are caused by Gram-negative bacteria including Vibrio spp. (vibriosis), Photobacterium damselae (photobacteriosis), Aeromonas spp. (furunculosis; haemorrhagic septicaemia) or Tenacibaculum maritimum (tenacibaculosis). Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are important components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and have been linked to strong immunogenic responses in terrestrial vertebrates, playing a role in disease development. To evaluate LPS effects in fish, we used a hot-phenol procedure to extract LPS from common fish pathogens. A. hydrophila, V. harveyi, T. maritimum and P. damselae purified LPS were tested at different concentrations (50, 100, 250 and 500 µg mL⁻¹) at 3 days post-fertilisation (dpf) Danio rerio larvae, for 5 days. While P. damselae LPS did not cause any mortality under all concentrations tested, A. hydrophila LPS induced 15.5% and V. harveyi LPS induced 58.3% of zebrafish larvae mortality at 500 µg mL⁻¹. LPS from T. maritimum was revealed to be the deadliest, with a zebrafish larvae mortality percentage of 80.6%. Analysis of LPS separated by gel electrophoresis revealed differences in the overall LPS structure between the bacterial species analysed that might be the basis for the different mortalities observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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13 pages, 2195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel One Health Approach concerning Yeast Present in the Oral Microbiome of the Endangered Rio Skate (Rioraja agassizii) from Southeastern Brazil

by Manoel Marques Evangelista Oliveira, Amanda Pontes Lopes, Tatiane Nobre Pinto, Gisela Lara da Costa, Aristóteles Goes-Neto and Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081969 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

The current climate change scenario caused by anthropogenic activities has resulted in novel environmental pressures, increasing the occurrence and severity of fungal infections in the marine environment. Research on fungi in several taxonomic groups is widespread although not the case for elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). In this context, the aim of the present study was to screen the oral fungal microbiota present in artisanally captured Rioraja agassizii, a batoid that, although endangered, is highly fished and consumed worldwide. Oropharyngeal samples were obtained by swabbing and the samples were investigated using morphological and phenotypic methods by streaking on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and subculturing onto CHROMagar Candida (BD Difco) and CHROMagar Candida Plus (CHROMagar^TM), as well as molecular techniques by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA region and a MALDI-TOF MS assessment. The findings indicated the presence of Candida parapsilosis (seven isolates), Candida duobushaemulonii (one isolate) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (three isolates), several of these reported for the first time in Rioraja agassizii. In addition, a 100% agreement between the MALDI-TOF results and partial ITS region sequencing was noted, demonstrating that the MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and effective alternative for yeast identification in Rioraja agassizii isolates and potentially in other elasmobranch species. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the potential impact on elasmobranch health, ecology, and commercial fisheries. Furthermore, this research is paramount in a One Health framework and may be employed to predict elasmobranch responses to an evolving ocean, keep healthy populations in check, monitor species, and assess the public health consequences of consuming these species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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17 pages, 8134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathogenic and Opportunistic Vibrio spp. Associated with Vibriosis Incidences in the Greek Aquaculture: The Role of Vibrio harveyi as the Principal Cause of Vibriosis

by Adriana Triga, Maria Smyrli and Pantelis Katharios

Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051197 - 4 May 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3709

Abstract

A monitoring program to follow vibriosis incidents in the Greek marine aquaculture was implemented over the past 13 years. 273 isolates, from various cases originating from eight regions and nine hosts, were collected and characterized. The main aquaculture species of the survey were the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Various species of Vibrionaceae were associated with vibriosis. Vibrio harveyi had the highest prevalence and was isolated throughout the year from all hosts. During the warm months, Vibrio harveyi prevailed with frequent co-isolations of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae and Vibrio alginolyticus, while during spring, other Vibrio species were more abundant, such as Vibrio lentus, Vibrio cyclitrophicus, and Vibrio gigantis. Phylogenetic analysis using the mreB gene and the metabolic fingerprint of the isolates showed great variability within the species of the collection. The severity of the disease and the frequency of outbreaks make vibriosis (that is, mainly attributed to V. harveyi) an important concern for the regional aquaculture sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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11 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bacteriological Comparison of the Hemolymph from Healthy and Moribund Unionid Mussel Populations in the Upper Midwestern U.S.A. Prompts the Development of Diagnostic Assays to Detect Yokenella regensburgei

by Eric M. Leis, Sara Dziki, Isaac Standish, Diane Waller, Jordan Richard, Jesse Weinzinger, Cleyo Harris, Susan Knowles and Tony Goldberg

Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11041068 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

Recent bacteriological investigations of freshwater mussel mortality events in the southeastern United States have identified a variety of bacteria and differences in bacterial communities between sick and healthy mussels. In particular, Yokenella regensburgei and Aeromonas spp. have been shown to be associated with moribund mussels, although it remains unclear whether these bacteria are causes or consequences of disease. To further understand the role of bacteria in mussel epizootics, we investigated mortality events that occurred in the upper Midwest in the Embarrass River (Wisconsin) and the Huron River (Michigan). For comparison, we also studied mussels from an unaffected population in the St. Croix River (Wisconsin). Diverse bacterial genera were identified from these sites, including Y. regensburgei from moribund mussels in the Embarrass River (Wisconsin). This bacterium has also been consistently isolated during ongoing mortality events in the Clinch River (Virginia). Subsequently, we developed and validated molecular assays for the detection of Yokenella to use in future investigations of mussel mortality events and to identify environmental reservoirs of this bacterium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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22 pages, 3800 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Virulent Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum Serotypes Revealed Genetic Diversity and Genomic Signatures in the O-Antigen Biosynthesis Gene Cluster

by Vimbai Irene Machimbirike, Ignacio Vasquez, Trung Cao, Joy Chukwu-Osazuwa, Oluwatoyin Onireti, Cristopher Segovia, Pongsak Khunrae, Triwit Rattanarojpong, Marije Booman, Simon Jones, Manuel Soto-Davila, Brian Dixon and Javier Santander

Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030792 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

Vibrio anguillarum is the most frequent pathogen affecting fish worldwide. The only known virulent strains of V. anguillarum are serotypes O1, O2, and O3. Genetic differences between the serotypes that could shed insight on the evolution and serotype differences of this marine pathogen are unknown. Here, we fully sequenced and characterized a strain of V. anguillarum O1 (J382) isolated from winter steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) in British Columbia, Canada. Koch’s postulates using the O1 strain were replicated in naïve lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) and compared to O2. Phenotypic and genotypic comparisons were conducted for serotypes O1, O2, and O3, using biochemical tests and bioinformatic tools, respectively. The genome of V. anguillarum O1 (J382) contains two chromosomes (3.13 Mb and 1.03 Mb) and two typical pJM1-like plasmids (65,573 and 76,959 bp). Furthermore, V. anguillarum O1 (J382) displayed resistance to colistin sulphate, which differs from serotype O2 and could be attributed to the presence of the ugd gene. Comparative genomic analysis, among the serotypes, showed that intra-species evolution is driven by insertion sequences, bacteriophages, and a different repertoire of putative ncRNAs. Genetic heterogeneity in the O-antigen biosynthesis gene cluster is characterized by the absence or the presence of unique genes, which could result in differences in the immune evasion mechanisms employed by the respective serotypes. This study contributes to understanding the genetic differences among V. anguillarum serovars and their evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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19 pages, 3537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida achromogenes Induces Fast Immune and Microbiota Modifications in Rainbow Trout

by Baptiste Redivo, Nicolas Derôme, Patrick Kestemont and Valérie Cornet

Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020539 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

Environmental stressors can disrupt the relationship between the microbiota and the host and lead to the loss of its functions. Among them, bacterial infection caused by Aeromonas salmonicida, the causative agent of furunculosis, results in high mortality in salmonid aquaculture. Here, rainbow trout were exposed to A. salmonicida achromogenes and its effects on the taxonomic composition and structure of the microbiota was assessed on different epithelia (gills, skin, and caudal fin) at 6 and 72 h post-infection (hpi) using the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA sequencing. Moreover, the infection by the pathogen and immune gene responses were evaluated in the head kidney by qPCR. Our results suggested that α-diversity was highly diverse but predominated by a few taxa while β-diversity was affected very early by infection in the gills after 6 h, subsequently affecting the microbiota of the skin and caudal fin. A dysbiosis of the microbiota and an increase in genera known to be opportunistic pathogens (Aeromonas, Pseudomonas) were also identified. Furthermore, an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and virulence protein array (vapa) was observed in trout head kidney as soon as 6 hpi and remained elevated until 72 hpi, while the anti-inflammatory genes seemed repressed. This study suggests that the infection by A. salmonicida achromogenes can alter fish microbiota of gills in the few hours post-infection. This result can be useful to develop a non-invasive technique to prevent disease outbreak in aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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18 pages, 3496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Intestinal Microbiota of Tiger Puffer (Takifugu rubripes) to the Fish Oil Finishing Strategy

by Yaoyao Kong, Zhangbin Liao, Xiuhua Ma, Mengqing Liang, Houguo Xu, Kangsen Mai and Yanjiao Zhang

Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010208 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

The fish oil finishing (FOF) strategy, that is, re-feeding fish with fish oil (FO)-based diet after a certain period of feeding with alternative lipid source-based diets. On tiger puffer, the present study investigated the response of intestinal microbiota to FOF. Fish were fed four diets based on FO, soybean oil, palm oil and beef tallow as lipid sources, respectively, firstly for 50 days (growing-out period), and then fed the FO-based diet for 30 more days (FOF period). The results showed that dietary terrestrially sourced oils impaired the intestinal function in the growing-out period. However, the activities of amylase, trypsin and anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, T-AOC), as well as gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β) and tight junction protein (Claudin4, Claudin7, Claudin18, JAM, ZO-1) in the intestine were significantly recovered by FOF. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that FOF improved the similarity of bacterial community among the groups. The MetaStat analysis confirmed that FOF regulated the abundance of butyric acid-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Eubacterium, Butyricicoccus, Clostridium and Roseburia) and bacteria related to digestion and absorption (Sphingomonas, Romboutsia and Brevibacillus). In conclusion, FOF can recover the intestine function. The intestinal microbiota probably participated in and played a key role in the recovery process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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13 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus (SCRV)-Induced Key Pathways and Major Antiviral Genes in Fish Cells

by Fei Ke, Xian-Yu Meng and Qi-Ya Zhang

Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2464; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122464 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2335

Abstract

Fish rhabdoviruses, including Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV), are epidemic pathogens that harm fish aquaculture. To clarify the interactions between SCRV and its host and explore antiviral targets, the present study performed transcriptome analysis in a cultured S. chuatsi skin cell line (SCSC) after SCRV infection at 3, 12, 24, and 36 h post-infection (hpi). Comparison with control obtained 38, 353, 896, and 1452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the detected time points, respectively. Further analysis of the Go terms and KEGG pathways revealed the key pathways “Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction” and “interferon related pathways” in SCSC cells responding to SCRV infection. The significantly up-regulated genes in the pathways were also verified by qPCR. Furthermore, gene cloning and overexpression revealed that five interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) IFI44₀₇, IFI35, Viperin, IFIT1, and IFIT5 had the ability to inhibit SCRV replication in FHM (Fathead minnow) cells, especially an inhibition efficiency more than 50% was observed in IFI35 overexpressed cells. In summary, current study revealed the main innate immune pathways in S. chuatsi cells induced by SCRV infection and the major ISGs of S. chuatsi in controlling SCRV replication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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15 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection and Quantification of the Oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica in Aquaculture Environments

by Tiina Korkea-aho, Tom Wiklund, Christine Engblom, Anssi Vainikka and Satu Viljamaa-Dirks

Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112186 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2785

Abstract

Saprolegnia parasitica induces heavy mortality in aquaculture. The detection of S. parasitica is often time consuming and uncertain, making it difficult to manage the disease. We validated a previously published real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to confirm the presence of S. parasitica in fish and in water using environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification. Analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay was assessed in silico, in vitro and the qPCR assay was compared with microbiological cultivation methods to detect and quantify S. parasitica in water samples from a controlled fish exposure experiment and from fish farms. Furthermore, we compared the use of an agar cultivation method and the qPCR assay to detect S. parasitica directly from mucus samples taken from the fish surface. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of the qPCR assay were high. The qPCR assay detected 100% of S. parasitica-positive water samples. In a field study, the qPCR assay and a microwell plate (MWP) enumeration method correlated significantly. Furthermore, the qPCR assay could be used to confirm the presence of S. parasitica in skin mucus. Thus, the qPCR assay could complement diagnostic methods in specifically detecting saprolegniosis in fish and used as a surveillance method for S. parasitica pathogen in aquaculture environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms and Diseases Associated with Aquatic Animals)

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