Subclinical epitheliocystis in barramundi, Lates calcarifer, reared in sea cages

Effects of epitheliocystis on serum lysozyme activity and osmoregulation in cultured juvenile striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster)

“…Pavement cells were the most likely target cell type for epitheliocystis in striped trumpeter, which is similar to most of the cases reported in other fish species (Anderson and Prior, 1992;Desser et al, 1988;Draghi et al, 2004;Langdon et al, 1991;Nowak and Clark, 1999;Nowak and LaPatra, 2006;Wolke et al, 1970). Host cells are difficult to identify as once infected they show degenerative alterations and appear as swollen and enlarged cysts (Desser et al, 1988;Groff et al, 1996).…”

“…This could be associated with the higher pathogenicity of the epitheliocystis agent or more advanced stage of infection. The lack or mild nature of host response has been described in most wild fish and some cultured species affected by epitheliocystis and may be due to low infection intensity (Anderson and Prior, 1992;Langdon et al, 1991;Mitchell et al, 2010;Morrison and Shum, 1983;Nowak and LaPatra, 2006;Turnbull, 1993;Zimmer et al, 1984). The strong host response observed in striped trumpeter sampled in autumn, including inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia and lamellar fusion have been reported in some fishes and were associated with presence of numerous intracellular cysts, and are considered to be hyperinfections (Bradley et al, 1988;Crespo et al, 1990;Draghi et al, 2004;Frances et al, 1997;Goodwin et al, 2005;Nowak and LaPatra, 2006;Nylund et al, 1998;Paperna, 1977).…”

Molecular Characterization of “Candidatus Parilichlamydia carangidicola,” a Novel Chlamydia-Like Epitheliocystis Agent in Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi (Valenciennes), and the Proposal of a New Family, “Candidatus Parilichlamydiaceae” fam. nov. (Order Chlamydiales)

“…The novel YTK epitheliocystis bacterial agent from YTK has Ͼ80% sequence similarity to other members of the Chlamydiales, placing it within the order (16). At this stage, Koch's postulates have not been satisfied to definitively identify the sequenced agent as the cause of epitheliocystis, since this sequenced agent from YTK, and also other epitheliocystis CLO agents, has not been successfully cultured in vitro (24).…”

“…In severe cases of hyperinfection, the cyst-like branchial lamellar lesions can result in increased lamellar fusion with consequent respiratory distress and death (14,15). Epitheliocystis outbreaks have been reported in many aquaculture species, including barramundi, Lates calcarifer (16); white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus (17); silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (18); Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar (19); red sea bream, Pagrus major (20); carp, Cyprinus carpio (21); and yellowtail kingfish, S. lalandi (6). It has been suggested that increased water temperature increases the risk of infection and the incidence of mortality, although additional experimental work is required (11).…”

Epitheliocystis Disease in Cultured Pacu (Piaractus Mesopotamicus) in Brazil

“…Epitheliocystis disease has been described in many countries of the world in different fish species (Turnbull, 1993). Since 1990, it has been diagnosed in Australia (Anderson and Prior, 1992;Frances et al, 1997) and in South America (Venizelos and Benneti, 1996).…”