A Novel Investigation of a Blister-Like Syndrome in Aquarium Echinopora lamellosa

Abstract

This study investigates potential causes of a novel blister-like syndrome in the plating coral Echinopora lamellosa. Visual inspections of this novel coral syndrome showed no obvious signs of macroparasites and the blisters themselves manifested as fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the coral, which rose from the coenosarc between the coral polyps. Histological analysis of the blisters showed that there was no associated necrosis with the epidermal or gastrodermal tissues. The only difference between blistered areas and apparently healthy tissues was the presence of proliferated growth (possible mucosal cell hyperplasia) directly at the blister interface (area between where the edge of the blister joined apparently healthy tissue). No bacterial aggregates were identified in any histological samples, nor any sign of tissue necrosis identified. We conclude, that the blister formations are not apparently caused by a specific microbial infection, but instead may be the result of irritation following growth anomalies of the epidermis. However, future work should be conducted to search for other potential casual agents, including viruses.

Microbial Communities Associated with Healthy and White Syndrome-Affected Echinopora lamellosa in Aquaria and Experimental Treatment with the Antibiotic Ampicillin

“…Given the pathogenicity of members of this genus, it is possible that the bacterium detected in this study (which increased dramatically in WS samples) is carrying out a similar role. Furthermore, this genus has previously been found to increase in potentially stressed and tumour-affected soft tissue in Echinopora lamellosa , which often subsequently became affected by WS [ 45 ], as well as having recently been associated with WS in Acropora cervicornis [ 46 ]. Interestingly, the ribotype related to Phaeobacter spp has in contrast, previously been found to provide protection to certain hosts (specifically fish and mollusc larvae) against pathogenic bacteria such as common coral associated bacteria such as the Vibrio spp.…”

New disease outbreak affects two dominant sea urchin species associated with Australian temperate reefs

“…Survey sections of 1 µm were cut and stained with the general stain 1% Toluidine Blue in 1% Borax. For each tissue type, the locations of microorganisms were recorded using 0.01% acridine orange (Smith et al 2014). The stain nigrosin (Smith et al 2014), was also used for evaluating the extent of mass tissue necrosis.…”

MICROBIAL COMMUNITY OF BLACK BAND DISEASE ON INFECTION, HEALTHY, AND DEAD PART OF SCLERACTINIAN Montipora sp. COLONY AT SERIBU ISLANDS, INDONESIA

“…PCR was carried out, following the same protocol as Smith et al (2014) using a Hybaid thermal cycler to amplify target 16S rRNA using the primers 357f-GC-518r (Muyzer et al, 1993). Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) was utilised to profile the bacterial community based on the separation of16S rRNA bands, which were subsequently purified using a Qiagen Gel Extraction Kit.…”

“…Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) was utilised to profile the bacterial community based on the separation of16S rRNA bands, which were subsequently purified using a Qiagen Gel Extraction Kit. DGGE was conducted according to Smith et al (2014). Purified samples were sent for sequencing at Genevision (Newcastle University).…”

“…The healthy, BBD-affected and dead Montipora sp. samples for histological analysis were prepared and sectioned following the same protocol used by Smith et al (2014).…”