Editorial

4 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Snježana Zrnčić

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(11), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111682 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 841

Healthy oceans and marine environments provide critical life support functions upon which human health and well-being depend [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 2088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Skin Culturable Microbiota in Farmed European Seabass (Dicentrarchuslabrax) in Two Aquacultures with and without Antibiotic Use

by Ana Ramljak, Irena Vardić Smrzlić, Damir Kapetanović, Fran Barac, Anamarija Kolda, Lorena Perić, Ivana Balenović, Tin Klanjšček and Ana Gavrilović

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10030303 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

This study examined culturable skin microbiota that was associated with farmed European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Healthy European seabass were sampled during summer commercial harvest from one conventional fish farm where antibiotics are used, and from another practicing a certified antibiotic-free fish [...] Read more.

This study examined culturable skin microbiota that was associated with farmed European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Healthy European seabass were sampled during summer commercial harvest from one conventional fish farm where antibiotics are used, and from another practicing a certified antibiotic-free fish aquaculture. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of seawater and sediment were performed, as well as determination of culturable bacteria, including Vibrio, from skin swabs of European seabass and seawater and sediment at both farms. Samples were processed for isolation of bacteria and their characterization by molecular and antibiotic susceptibility tests. In both fish farms, most of the bacteria that were identified in the skin belonged to the genera Pseudomonas and Vibrio. Some of the microbiota that were identified are known to be pathogenic to fish: V.alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, and V. harveyi. Vibrio strains showed higher resistance to certain antibiotics compared to previous studies. This study provides, for the first time, information on the culturable skin bacteria that is associated with healthy European seabass under culture conditions with and without the use of antibiotics. This information will be useful in assessing how changes in culturable microbiota may affect the health of farmed European seabass, indicating a potential problem for fish health management during disease outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Histopathologic Lesions in Bivalve Mollusks Found in Portugal: Etiology and Risk Factors

by Daniel Pires, Ana Grade, Francisco Ruano and Fernando Afonso

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10020133 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

Bivalve mollusks are an important resource due to their socioeconomic value and to the historical and genetic value of some species. Two nationally important oyster species-Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) and Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) from distinctive areas in Portugal [...] Read more.

Bivalve mollusks are an important resource due to their socioeconomic value and to the historical and genetic value of some species. Two nationally important oyster species-Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) and Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) from distinctive areas in Portugal were studied to evaluate their sanitary status. Oysters were sampled from four different sites in Portugal. Oysters collected from Japanese oyster populations were cultivated in a strong ocean-influenced environment and Portuguese oyster populations were cultivated in wild-beds. The histopathological examination of both oyster species revealed the presence of parasites in gills, mantle epithelium, digestive gland tubules and connective tissue, with a moderate prevalence. In both populations was observed hemocytosis in the connective tissue, edema and metaplasia in the digestive gland and tissues necrosis. In wild populations from Sado and Mira estuaries the prevalence of mud blisters and gill lesions were higher than from populations produced on 0.50 m tables from mudflats. Biosecurity measures and diagnostic techniques are fundamental to control pathogenic agents, including the identification of pathogens at an early stage in their life cycles. This will prevent diseases and improve pathogen reduction on transport of animals from different countries and regions to new production areas to avoid the transmission of diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Isolation of Vibrio crassostreae and V. cyclitrophicus in Lesser-Spotted Dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) Juveniles Reared in a Public Aquarium

by Mattia Tomasoni, Giuseppe Esposito, Davide Mugetti, Paolo Pastorino, Nadia Stoppani, Vasco Menconi, Flavio Gagliardi, Ilaria Corrias, Angela Pira, Pier Luigi Acutis, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo and Silvia Colussi

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10010114 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

The genus Vibrio currently contains 147 recognized species widely distributed, including pathogens for aquatic organisms. Vibrio infections in elasmobranchs are poorly reported, often with identifications as Vibrio sp. and without detailed diagnostic insights. The purpose of this paper is the description of the [...] Read more.

The genus Vibrio currently contains 147 recognized species widely distributed, including pathogens for aquatic organisms. Vibrio infections in elasmobranchs are poorly reported, often with identifications as Vibrio sp. and without detailed diagnostic insights. The purpose of this paper is the description of the isolation and identification process of Vibrio spp. following a mortality event of Scyliorhinus canicula juvenile reared in an Italian public aquarium. Following investigations aimed at excluding the presence of different pathogens of marine fish species (parasites, bacteria, Betanodavirus), several colonies were isolated and subjected to species identification using the available diagnostic techniques (a biochemical test, MALDI-TOF MS, and biomolecular analysis). Discrepancies were observed among the methods; the limits of biochemistry as a unique tool for Vibrio species determination were detected through statistical analysis. The use of the rpoB gene, as a diagnostic tool, allowed the identification of the isolates as V. crassostreae and V. cyclotrophicus. Although the pathogenic role of these microorganisms in lesser-spotted dogfish juveniles has not been demonstrated, and the presence of further pathogens cannot be excluded, this study allowed the isolation of two Vibrio species in less-studied aquatic organisms, highlighting the weaknesses and strengths of the different diagnostic methods applied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bonamia exitiosa in European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis) on the Croatian Adriatic Coast from 2016 to 2020

by Dražen Oraić, Relja Beck, Željko Pavlinec, Ivana Giovanna Zupičić, Ljupka Maltar, Tihana Miškić, Žaklin Acinger-Rogić and Snježana Zrnčić

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(9), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9090929 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

The annual production of European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) in Croatia is about 50 to 65 tons, and it has a long tradition. All Croatian oyster farms are subjected to the national surveillance program aiming to detect the presence of Bonamia [...] Read more.

The annual production of European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) in Croatia is about 50 to 65 tons, and it has a long tradition. All Croatian oyster farms are subjected to the national surveillance program aiming to detect the presence of Bonamia ostreae and Marteilia refringens according to the Council Directive 2006/88/EC. Within the surveillance program, the first findings of the parasite Bonamia spp. occurred in 2016 in two production areas in the north and south of the Eastern Adriatic coast. The repeated findings of the parasite were noted up to 2020 but also on two additional sites in the north. The parasite was detected by cytological analysis of stained heart smears, histological examination, and PCR. PCR positive samples were sequenced for SSU rDNA gene, and BLAST analysis confirmed infection with Bonamia exitiosa. Attempts to prove the Pacific oyster as a putative vector of the parasite failed. The infection prevalence from 2016 until 2020 ranged from 3.3 to 20% in different sites. No mortalities were reported from the infected sites, and it seemed that infection of flat oysters with B. exitiosa did not affect their health. The study has not shown the source and way of infection spread, which imposes the need for more comprehensive molecular and epidemiological studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV, Decapod Penstylhamaparvovirus 1) in Commodity Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Imported into South Korea

by Chorong Lee, Seong-Kyoon Choi, Hye Jin Jeon, Seung Ho Lee, Young Kyoon Kim, Song Park, Jin-Kyu Park, Se-Hyeon Han, Seulgi Bae, Ji Hyung Kim and Jee Eun Han

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(8), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9080856 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Freshwater crayfish, which are cultivated in aquaculture, are economically important for food and ornamental purposes. However, relatively few studies have focused on potentially pathogenic viruses in crayfish compared to in penaeid shrimp. Commodity red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus; 400 crayfish in [...] Read more.

Freshwater crayfish, which are cultivated in aquaculture, are economically important for food and ornamental purposes. However, relatively few studies have focused on potentially pathogenic viruses in crayfish compared to in penaeid shrimp. Commodity red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus; 400 crayfish in 10 batches) and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii; 40 crayfish in 2 batches) imported into South Korea from Indonesia and China were screened by PCR to detect infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV or Decapod penstylhamaparvovirus 1). IHHNV was detected in tissue samples pooled from nine out of ten batches of red claw crayfish imported from Indonesia. Phylogenetic analysis of PCR amplicons from representative pools clustered the IHHNV strain with infectious-type II sequences commonly detected in Southeast Asian countries rather than with type III strains detected previously in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) cultured in South Korea. IHHNV DNA was detected most frequently in the muscle (eight batches, 66.7% samples), followed by in the hepatopancreas (five batches, 41.7% samples) and gills tissue (three batches, 25.0% samples). These data suggest that red claw crayfish could be a potential carrier of the virus and that quarantine procedures must be strengthened in South Korea to avoid importing infectious types of IHHNV in commodity crustaceans such as red claw crayfish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4087 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Noble Pen Shell (Pinna nobilis) Mortalities along the Eastern Adriatic Coast with a Study of the Spreading Velocity

by Željko Mihaljević, Željko Pavlinec, Ivana Giovanna Zupičić, Dražen Oraić, Aleksandar Popijač, Osvin Pećar, Ivan Sršen, Miroslav Benić, Boris Habrun and Snježana Zrnčić

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(7), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9070764 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2346

Abstract

Noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis) along the Eastern Adriatic coast were affected by mass mortalities similarly to the populations across the Mediterranean basin. Samples of live animals and organs originating from sites on Mljet Island on the south and the Istrian [...] Read more.

Noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis) along the Eastern Adriatic coast were affected by mass mortalities similarly to the populations across the Mediterranean basin. Samples of live animals and organs originating from sites on Mljet Island on the south and the Istrian peninsula on the north of the Croatian Adriatic coast were analyzed using histology and molecular techniques to detect the presence of the previously described Haplosporidium pinnae and Mycobacterium spp. as possible causes of these mortalities. To obtain more information on the pattern of the spread of the mortalities, a study was undertaken in Mljet National Park, an area with a dense population of noble pen shells. The results of the diagnostic analysis and the velocity of the spread of the mortalities showed a significant correlation between increases in water temperature and the onset of mortality. Moderate to heavy lesions of the digestive glands were observed in specimens infected with H. pinnae. A phylogenetic analysis of the detected Haplosporidium pinnae showed an identity of 99.7 to 99.8% with isolates from other Mediterranean areas, while isolated Mycobacterium spp. showed a higher heterogeneity among isolates across the Mediterranean. The presence of Mycobacterium spp. in clinically healthy animals a few months before the onset of mortality imposes the need for further clarification of its role in mortality events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

23 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Marine Viruses in Coral Ecosystem

by Logajothiswaran Ambalavanan, Shumpei Iehata, Rosanne Fletcher, Emylia H. Stevens and Sandra C. Zainathan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(7), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9070711 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5069

Abstract

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse biological systems on earth. Corals are classified as marine invertebrates and filter the surrounding food and other particles in seawater, including pathogens such as viruses. Viruses act as both pathogen and symbiont for metazoans. Marine viruses [...] Read more.

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse biological systems on earth. Corals are classified as marine invertebrates and filter the surrounding food and other particles in seawater, including pathogens such as viruses. Viruses act as both pathogen and symbiont for metazoans. Marine viruses that are abundant in the ocean are mostly single-, double stranded DNA and single-, double stranded RNA viruses. These discoveries were made via advanced identification methods which have detected their presence in coral reef ecosystems including PCR analyses, metagenomic analyses, transcriptomic analyses and electron microscopy. This review discusses the discovery of viruses in the marine environment and their hosts, viral diversity in corals, presence of virus in corallivorous fish communities in reef ecosystems, detection methods, and occurrence of marine viral communities in marine sponges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Microbial Diseases of Marine Organisms

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI