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Cantillo Villa Y, Triga A, Katharios P. Polyinfection in Fish Aeromoniasis: A Study of Co-Isolated Aeromonas Species in Aeromonas veronii Outbreaks. Pathogens 2023; 12:1337. [PMID: 38003801 PMCID: PMC10674900 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the phenotypic and genomic characteristics related to the virulence and antibiotic resistance of two Aeromonas strains, which were co-isolated before an outbreak of Aeromonas veronii among diseased seabass on Agathonisi Island, Greece, in April 2015. The first strain, AG2.13.2, is a potentially pathogenic mesophilic variant of Aeromonas salmonicida, and the second, AG2.13.5, corresponds to an Aeromonas rivipollensis related to A. rivipollensis KN-Mc-11N1 with an ANI value of 97.32%. AG2.13.2 lacks the type III secretion system just like other mesophilic strains of A. salmonicida. This characteristic has been associated with lower virulence. However, the genome of AG2.13.2 contains other important virulence factors such as type II and type VI secretion systems, and toxins such as rtxA, aerolysin aer/act, and different types of hemolysins. The strain also carries several genes associated with antibiotic resistance such as the tetE efflux pump, and exhibits resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid. In an in vivo challenge test with gilthead seabream larvae, the A. veronii bv sobria strain AG5.28.6 exhibited the highest virulence among all tested strains. Conversely, both A. salmonicida and A. rivipollensis showed minimal virulence when administered alone. Interestingly, when A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 was co-administered with A. rivipollensis, the larvae survival probability increased compared to those exposed to A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 alone. This finding indicates an antagonistic interaction between A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 and A. rivipollensis AG2.13.5. The co-administration of A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 with Aeromonas salmonicida did not yield distinct survival probabilities. Our results validate that the primary pathogen responsible for European seabass aeromoniasis is Aeromonas veronii bv sobria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanelys Cantillo Villa
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Gournes, Greece; (Y.C.V.); (A.T.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Adriana Triga
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Gournes, Greece; (Y.C.V.); (A.T.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Gournes, Greece; (Y.C.V.); (A.T.)
- Aquatic Biologicals, Thalassocosmos, 71500 Gournes, Greece
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Skliros D, Droubogiannis S, Kalloniati C, Katharios P, Flemetakis E. Perturbation of Quorum Sensing after the Acquisition of Bacteriophage Resistance Could Contribute to Novel Traits in Vibrio alginolyticus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2273. [PMID: 37764117 PMCID: PMC10535087 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria employ a wide range of molecular mechanisms to confer resistance to bacteriophages, and these mechanisms are continuously being discovered and characterized. However, there are instances where certain bacterial species, despite lacking these known mechanisms, can still develop bacteriophage resistance through intricate metabolic adaptation strategies, potentially involving mutations in transcriptional regulators or phage receptors. Vibrio species have been particularly useful for studying the orchestrated metabolic responses of Gram-negative marine bacteria in various challenges. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Vibrio alginolyticus downregulates the expression of specific receptors and transporters in its membrane, which may enable the bacterium to evade infection by lytic bacteriophages. In our current study, our objective was to explore how the development of bacteriophage resistance in Vibrio species disrupts the quorum-sensing cascade, subsequently affecting bacterial physiology and metabolic capacity. Using a real-time quantitative PCR (rt-QPCR) platform, we examined the expression pattern of quorum-sensing genes, auto-inducer biosynthesis genes, and cell density regulatory proteins in phage-resistant strains. Our results revealed that bacteriophage-resistant bacteria downregulate the expression of quorum-sensing regulatory proteins, such as LuxM, LuxN, and LuxP. This downregulation attenuates the normal perception of quorum-sensing peptides and subsequently diminishes the expression of cell density regulatory proteins, including LuxU, aphA, and LuxR. These findings align with the diverse phenotypic traits observed in the phage-resistant strains, such as altered biofilm formation, reduced planktonic growth, and reduced virulence. Moreover, the transcriptional depletion of aphA, the master regulator associated with low cell density, was linked to the downregulation of genes related to virulence. This phenomenon appears to be phage-specific, suggesting a finely tuned metabolic adaptation driven by phage-host interaction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of Vibrio species in microbial marine ecology and highlight the complex interplay between phage resistance, quorum sensing, and bacterial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Stavros Droubogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (P.K.)
| | - Chrysanthi Kalloniati
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (P.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (C.K.)
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Triga A, Smyrli M, Katharios P. Pathogenic and Opportunistic Vibrio spp. Associated with Vibriosis Incidences in the Greek Aquaculture: The Role of Vibrio harveyi as the Principal Cause of Vibriosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1197. [PMID: 37317171 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Triga
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), P.O. Box 2214, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, P.O. Box 1470, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Smyrli
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), P.O. Box 2214, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), P.O. Box 2214, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
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Droubogiannis S, Pavlidi L, Skliros D, Flemetakis E, Katharios P. Comprehensive Characterization of a Novel Bacteriophage, vB_VhaS_MAG7 against a Fish Pathogenic Strain of Vibrio harveyi and Its In Vivo Efficacy in Phage Therapy Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098200. [PMID: 37175906 PMCID: PMC10179652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi, a significant opportunistic marine pathogen, has been a challenge to the aquaculture industry, leading to severe economical and production losses. Phage therapy has been an auspicious approach in controlling such bacterial infections in the era of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we isolated and fully characterized a novel strain-specific phage, vB_VhaS_MAG7, which infects V. harveyi MM46, and tested its efficacy as a therapeutic agent in challenged gilthead seabream larvae. vB_VhaS_MAG7 is a tailed bacteriophage with a double-stranded DNA of 49,315 bp. No genes linked with virulence or antibiotic resistance were harbored in the genome. The phage had a remarkably large burst size of 1393 PFU cell-1 and showed strong lytic ability in in vitro assays. When applied in phage therapy trials in challenged gilthead seabream larvae, vB_VhaS_MAG7 was capable of improving the survival of the larvae up to 20%. Due to its distinct features and safety, vB_VhaS_MAG7 is considered a suitable candidate for applied phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Droubogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Lydia Pavlidi
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
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Skliros D, Papazoglou P, Gkizi D, Paraskevopoulou E, Katharios P, Goumas DE, Tjamos S, Flemetakis E. In planta interactions of a novel bacteriophage against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3801-3815. [PMID: 37074382 PMCID: PMC10175458 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
The biology and biotechnology of bacteriophages have been extensively studied in recent years to explore new and environmentally friendly methods of controlling phytopathogenic bacteria. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) is responsible for bacterial speck disease in tomato plants, leading to decreased yield. Disease management strategies rely on the use of copper-based pesticides. The biological control of Pst with the use of bacteriophages could be an alternative environmentally friendly approach to diminish the detrimental effects of Pst in tomato cultivations. The lytic efficacy of bacteriophages can be used in biocontrol-based disease management strategies. Here, we report the isolation and complete characterization of a bacteriophage, named Medea1, which was also tested in planta against Pst, under greenhouse conditions. The application of Medea1 as a root drenching inoculum or foliar spraying reduced 2.5- and fourfold on average, respectively, Pst symptoms in tomato plants, compared to a control group. In addition, it was observed that defense-related genes PR1b and Pin2 were upregulated in the phage-treated plants. Our research explores a new genus of Pseudomonas phages and explores its biocontrol potential against Pst, by utilizing its lytic nature and ability to trigger the immune response of plants. KEY POINTS: • Medea1 is a newly reported bacteriophage against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato having genomic similarities with the phiPSA1 bacteriophage • Two application strategies were reported, one by root drenching the plants with a phage-based solution and one by foliar spraying, showing up to 60- and 6-fold reduction of Pst population and disease severity in some cases, respectively, compared to control • Bacteriophage Medea1 induced the expression of the plant defense-related genes Pin2 and PR1b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Papazoglou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Danai Gkizi
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, School of Food Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Paraskevopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E Goumas
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology-Bacteriology, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71004, Heraklio, Estavromenos, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tjamos
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 1855, Athens, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece.
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Tsertou MI, Triga A, Droubogiannis S, Kokkari C, Anasi G, Katharios P. Isolation and characterization of a novel Tenacibaculum species and a corresponding bacteriophage from a Mediterranean fish hatchery: Description of Tenacibaculum larymnensis sp. nov. and Tenacibaculum phage Larrie. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1078669. [PMID: 36925475 PMCID: PMC10013915 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1078669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenacibaculum larymnensis sp. nov., a novel species of the Tenacibaculum genus was isolated from a commercial fish hatchery in Greece. The novel species is phylogenetically close to T. discolor and was biochemically and genetically characterized. The genome of T. larymnensis has 3.66 Mbps length, 31.83% GC content and the genomic analysis demonstrated that it harbors a wide enzymatic repertoire suggestive of increased degrading capacity but also several virulence factors including hemolysins, secretion systems, transporters, siderophores, pili and extracellular proteins. Using the novel strain, a virulent bacteriophage designated as Tenacibaculum phage Larrie was isolated and characterized. Larrie is a novel Siphovirus with relatively large genome, 77.5 kbps with 111 ORFs, a GC content of 33.7% and an exclusively lytic lifestyle. The new phage-host system can serve as an efficient model to study microbial interactions in the aquatic environment which contribute to the nutrient cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ioanna Tsertou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Adriana Triga
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stavros Droubogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
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Katharios P, Kokkari C, Cascarano MC, Gyparakis S, Aggelidaki C, Antonakaki I, Vargiakaki E. A fish kill at the Aposelemis dam (Crete, Greece) caused by heavy parasitism by Ichthyobodo sp. J Fish Dis 2023; 46:61-66. [PMID: 36116014 PMCID: PMC10087203 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A fish kill was recorded at the Aposelemis Dam, which is the main reservoir of drinking water for the island of Crete in Greece. Hundreds of goldfish were found dead at a side stream which provides water to the reservoir. The affected fish had been entrapped in a small pond at the side of the stream with practically zero water renewal as the event occurred in August which is a dry season for the island of Crete. The event was alarming for the local community since anthropogenic pollution was initially suspected which could pose a significant human health threat. Following examination of the fish, the mortality was attributed to heavy infection by the parasitic flagellate, Ichthyobodo sp., whilst no pollutants were detected. The parasite was studied through light and scanning electron microscopy and was identified molecularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & AquacultureHellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece, Former American Base of GournesHeraklionGreece
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & AquacultureHellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece, Former American Base of GournesHeraklionGreece
| | - Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & AquacultureHellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece, Former American Base of GournesHeraklionGreece
| | - Stylianos Gyparakis
- Organisation for the Development of Crete SA (OAK SA)Aposelemis WTPHeraklionGreece
| | - Chrissi Aggelidaki
- Organisation for the Development of Crete SA (OAK SA)Aposelemis WTPHeraklionGreece
| | - Ioanna Antonakaki
- Organisation for the Development of Crete SA (OAK SA)Aposelemis WTPHeraklionGreece
| | - Efthimia Vargiakaki
- Organisation for the Development of Crete SA (OAK SA)Aposelemis WTPHeraklionGreece
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Droubogiannis S, Pavlidi L, Tsertou MI, Kokkari C, Skliros D, Flemetakis E, Katharios P. Vibrio Phage Artemius, a Novel Phage Infecting Vibrio alginolyticus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080848. [PMID: 36014969 PMCID: PMC9416449 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio alginolyticus is an important pathogen of marine animals and has been the target of phage therapy applications in marine aquaculture for many years. Here, we report the isolation and partial characterization of a novel species of the Siphoviridae family, the Vibrio phage Artemius. The novel phage was species-specific and could only infect strains of V. alginolyticus. It could efficiently reduce the growth of the host bacterium at various multiplicities of infection as assessed by an in vitro lysis assay. It had a genome length of 43,349 base pairs. The complete genome has double-stranded DNA with a G + C content of 43.61%. In total, 57 ORFs were identified, of which 19 were assigned a predicted function. A genomic analysis indicated that Vibrio phage Artemius is lytic and does not harbor genes encoding toxins and antibiotic resistance determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Droubogiannis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (L.P.); (M.I.T.); (C.K.)
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Lydia Pavlidi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (L.P.); (M.I.T.); (C.K.)
| | - Maria Ioanna Tsertou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (L.P.); (M.I.T.); (C.K.)
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (L.P.); (M.I.T.); (C.K.)
| | - Dimitrios Skliros
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (S.D.); (L.P.); (M.I.T.); (C.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Droubogiannis S, Katharios P. Genomic and Biological Profile of a Novel Bacteriophage, Vibrio phage Virtus, Which Improves Survival of Sparus aurata Larvae Challenged with Vibrio harveyi. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060630. [PMID: 35745484 PMCID: PMC9229204 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, commonly known as “superbugs”, phage therapy for the control of bacterial diseases rose in popularity. In this context, the use of phages for the management of many important bacterial diseases in the aquaculture environment is auspicious. Vibrio harveyi, a well-known and serious bacterial pathogen, is responsible for many disease outbreaks in aquaculture, resulting in huge economic and production losses. We isolated and fully characterized a novel bacteriophage, Vibrio phage Virtus, infecting V. harveyi strain VH2. Vibrio phage Virtus can infect a wide spectrum of Vibrio spp., including strains of V. harveyi, V. owensii, V. campbellii, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. mediterranei. It has a latent period of 40 min with an unusually high burst size of 3200 PFU/cell. Vibrio phage Virtus has a double-stranded DNA of 82,960 base pairs with 127 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). No virulence, antibiotic resistance, or integrase-encoding genes were detected. In vivo phage therapy trials in gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, larvae demonstrated that Vibrio phage Virtus was able to significantly improve the survival of larvae for five days at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10, which suggests that it can be an excellent candidate for phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Droubogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence:
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Smyrli M, Anka IZ, Koutsoni O, Dotsika E, Kyriazis ID, Pavlidis M, Katharios P. Development of autogenous vaccines for farmed European seabass against Aeromonas veronii using zebrafish as a model for efficacy assessment. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2022; 123:381-387. [PMID: 35318138 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria is an emerging pathogen for the European seabass cultured in the Aegean Sea (Mediterranean) causing significant problems in the Greek and Turkish aquaculture industry since no licensed vaccine is currently available for the disease. A bivalent vaccine was developed based on two phenotypically distinct strains of the pathogen, PDB (motile, pigment-producing strain) and NS (non-motile, non-pigment-producing). The two strains comprising the bivalent vaccine were evaluated as monovalent products in zebrafish before the seabass trials. Challenges using the homologous or the heterologous strain showed that both vaccines were protective with RPS values ranging between 66 and 100% in zebrafish. The bivalent vaccine was then tested in European seabass following dip or intraperitoneal administration. Efficacy was evaluated separately against both strains comprising the bivalent vaccine. Dip vaccination applied to juvenile seabass of 2.5 g average weight provided protection following challenge tests 30 days post vaccination only in one of the two strains tested (strain PDB, RPS: 88%). This was also the case in the injection vaccination of adult seabass of 60 g average weight where the vaccine was effective only against the PDB strain (RPS: 63%). High antibody titers against both strains were found at 30 and 60 days after intraperitoneal vaccination in the adult seabass. The use of zebrafish as a model for vaccine development for aquaculture species is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Smyrli
- University of Crete, Department of Biology, Voutes University Campus, Heraklion, 70013, Greece; Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, 71500, Greece
| | - Ishrat Zahan Anka
- University of Crete, Department of Biology, Voutes University Campus, Heraklion, 70013, Greece; Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Olga Koutsoni
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Greece
| | - Eleni Dotsika
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Greece
| | - Ioannis D Kyriazis
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Greece
| | - Michail Pavlidis
- University of Crete, Department of Biology, Voutes University Campus, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, 71500, Greece.
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Cascarano MC, Ruetten M, Vaughan L, Tsertou MI, Georgopoulou D, Keklikoglou K, Papandroulakis N, Katharios P. Epitheliocystis in Greater Amberjack: Evidence of a Novel Causative Agent, Pathology, Immune Response and Epidemiological Findings. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030627. [PMID: 35336202 PMCID: PMC8949381 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitheliocystis is a fish gill disease caused by a broad range of intracellular bacteria infecting freshwater and marine fish worldwide. Here we report the occurrence and progression of epitheliocystis in greater amberjack reared in Crete (Greece). The disease appears to be caused mainly by a novel Betaproteobacteria belonging to the Candidatus Ichthyocystis genus with a second agent genetically similar to Ca. Parilichlamydia carangidicola coinfecting the gills in some cases. After a first detection of the disease in 2017, we investigated epitheliocystis in the following year’s cohort of greater amberjack juveniles (cohort 2018) transferred from inland tanks to the same cage farm in the open sea where the first outbreak was detected. This cohort was monitored for over a year together with stocks of gilthead seabream and meagre co-farmed in the same area. Our observations showed that epitheliocystis could be detected in greater amberjack gills as early as a month following the transfer to sea cages, with ionocytes at the base of the gill lamellae being initially infected. Cyst formation appears to trigger a proliferative response, leading to the fusion of lamellae, impairment of gill functions and subsequently to mortality. Lesions are characterized by infiltration of immune cells, indicating activation of the innate immune response. At later stages of the outbreak, cysts were no longer found in ionocytes but were observed in mucocytes at the trailing edge of the filament. Whole cysts appeared finally to be expelled from infected mucocytes directly into the water, which might constitute a novel means of dispersion of the infectious agents. Molecular screening indicates that meagre is not affected by this disease and confirms the presence of previously described epitheliocystis agents, Ca. Ichthyocystis sparus, Ca. Ichthyocystis hellenicum and Ca. Similichlamydia spp., in gilthead seabream. Prevalence data show that the bacteria persist in both gilthead seabream and greater amberjack cohorts after first infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (K.K.)
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Maja Ruetten
- Pathovet AG, 8317 Tagelswangen, Switzerland; (M.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Pathovet AG, 8317 Tagelswangen, Switzerland; (M.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Maria Ioanna Tsertou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Dimitra Georgopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Kleoniki Keklikoglou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (K.K.)
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Nikos Papandroulakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.I.T.); (D.G.); (N.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Skliros D, Karpouzis E, Kalloniati C, Katharios P, Flemetakis E. Comparative genomic analysis of dwarf Vibrio myoviruses defines a conserved gene cluster for successful phage infection. Arch Virol 2022; 167:501-516. [PMID: 35000006 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tailed bacteriophages have been at the center of attention, not only for their ability to infect and kill pathogenic bacteria but also due to their peculiar and intriguing complex contractile tail structure. Tailed bacteriophages with contractile tails are known to have a Myoviridae morphotype and are members of the order Caudovirales. Large bacteriophages with a genome larger than 150 kbp have been studied for their ability to use multiple infection and lysis strategies to replicate more efficiently. On the other hand, smaller bacteriophages with fewer genes are represented in the GenBank database in greater numbers, and have several genes with unknown function. Isolation and molecular characterization of a newly reported bacteriophage named Athena1 revealed that it is a strongly lytic bacteriophage with a genome size of 39,826 bp. This prompted us to perform a comparative genomic analysis of Vibrio myoviruses with a genome size of no more than 50 kbp. The results revealed a pattern of genomic organization that includes sets of genes responsible for virion morphogenesis, replication/recombination of DNA, and lysis/lysogeny switching. By studying phylogenetic gene markers, we were able to draw conclusions about evolutionary events that shaped the genomic mosaicism of these phages, pinpointing the importance of a conserved organization of the genomic region encoding the baseplate protein for successful infection of Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, we propose the creation of new genera for dwarf Vibrio myoviruses. Comparative genomics of phages infecting aquatic bacteria could provide information that is useful for combating fish pathogens in aquaculture, using novel strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Karpouzis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Kalloniati
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece. .,EU-CONEXUS European University, Athens, Greece.
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Papadaki M, Mandalakis M, Anastasiou TI, Pouli M, Asderis M, Katharios P, Papandroulakis N, Mylonas CC. Histological evaluation of sex differentiation and early sex identification in hatchery-produced greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared in sea cages. Fish Physiol Biochem 2021; 47:1777-1792. [PMID: 34515893 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The histological process of gonadal differentiation, together with the endocrine changes of sex steroid hormones and some of their precursors, was studied in hatchery-produced greater amberjack Seriola dumerili from 101 until 408 days post-hatching (dph), with samplings conducted every 50 days. Histological processing showed that sex differentiation began at 101 dph with the formation of the ovarian cavity in females, while the presumptive males did not yet contain any germ cells in their gonad. At 150 dph, we observed the first germ cells in the developing testes. Sex differentiation in almost all sampled individuals was complete at 408 dph. No size dimorphism was observed between the sexes, and the sex ratio was 1:1, suggesting that there was no influence of early rearing in captivity on sex differentiation. Plasma concentrations of adrenosterone (Ad), androstenedione (Δ4), 11-ketotestosterone (11ΚΤ), testosterone (Τ), estradiol (Ε2), progesterone (P4) and 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20βP) were measured in males and females with the use of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to examine their role in the sex differentiation process. From the seven hormones, the only one that exhibited differences between the sexes was 11-KT and the plasma 11-KT concentration was found to be a useful indication of greater amberjack sex. Variations were observed in the mean values of Ad, Δ4, 11-KT, T, P4 and 17,20βP over time in one or both sexes, indicating their involvement in the sex differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papadaki
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Manolis Mandalakis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Thekla I Anastasiou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Marina Pouli
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michalis Asderis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nikos Papandroulakis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Cascarano MC, Stavrakidis-Zachou O, Mladineo I, Thompson KD, Papandroulakis N, Katharios P. Mediterranean Aquaculture in a Changing Climate: Temperature Effects on Pathogens and Diseases of Three Farmed Fish Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:1205. [PMID: 34578236 PMCID: PMC8466566 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is expected to have a drastic effect on aquaculture worldwide. As we move forward with the agenda to increase and diversify aquaculture production, rising temperatures will have a progressively relevant impact on fish farming, linked to a multitude of issues associated with fish welfare. Temperature affects the physiology of both fish and pathogens, and has the potential to lead to significant increases in disease outbreaks within aquaculture systems, resulting in severe financial impacts. Significant shifts in future temperature regimes are projected for the Mediterranean Sea. We therefore aim to review and discuss the existing knowledge relating to disease outbreaks in the context of climate change in Mediterranean finfish aquaculture. The objective is to describe the effects of temperature on the physiology of both fish and pathogens, and moreover to list and discuss the principal diseases of the three main fish species farmed in the Mediterranean, namely gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and meagre (Argyrosomus regius). We will attempt to link the pathology of each disease to a specific temperature range, while discussing potential future disease threats associated with the available climate change trends for the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (O.S.-Z.); (N.P.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Orestis Stavrakidis-Zachou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (O.S.-Z.); (N.P.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ivona Mladineo
- Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Functional Helminthology, Institute of Parasitology, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Kim D. Thompson
- Vaccines and Diagnostics, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK;
| | - Nikos Papandroulakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (O.S.-Z.); (N.P.)
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.C.C.); (O.S.-Z.); (N.P.)
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Mandalakis M, Anastasiou TI, Martou N, Keisaris S, Greveniotis V, Katharios P, Lazari D, Krigas N, Antonopoulou E. Antibacterial Effects of Essential Oils of Seven Medicinal-Aromatic Plants Against the Fish Pathogen Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria: To Blend or Not to Blend? Molecules 2021; 26:2731. [PMID: 34066575 PMCID: PMC8125735 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite progress achieved, there is limited available information about the antibacterial activity of constituents of essential oils (EOs) from different medicinal-aromatic plants (MAPs) against fish pathogens and the complex interactions of blended EOs thereof. The present study aimed to investigate possible synergistic antimicrobial effects of EOs from seven Greek MAPs with strong potential against Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria, a fish pathogen associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks. The main objective was to evaluate whether blending of these EOs can lead to increased antimicrobial activity against the specific microorganism. A total of 127 combinations of EOs were prepared and their effect on A. veronii bv. sobria growth was tested in vitro. We examined both the inhibitory and bactericidal activities of the individual EOs and compared them to those of the blended EOs. The vast majority of the investigated combinations exhibited significant synergistic and additive effects, while antagonistic effects were evident only in a few cases, such as the mixtures containing EOs from rosemary, lemon balm and pennyroyal. The combination of EOs from Greek oregano and wild carrot, as well as the combinations of those two with Spanish oregano or savoury were the most promising ones. Overall, Greek oregano, savoury and Spanish oregano EOs were the most effective ones when applied either in pure form or blended with other EOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manolis Mandalakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.M.); (T.I.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Thekla I. Anastasiou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.M.); (T.I.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Natalia Martou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Sofoklis Keisaris
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Vasileios Greveniotis
- Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 41335 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (M.M.); (T.I.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Diamanto Lazari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, P.O. Box 60458, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efthimia Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.M.); (S.K.)
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Kogiannou D, Nikoloudaki C, Katharios P, Triga A, Rigos G. Evaluation of absorption and depletion of florfenicol in European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:987-997. [PMID: 33369159 PMCID: PMC8136953 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetic properties and residue elimination of florfenicol (FLO) and its amine were investigated in European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax at 24°C. The trial mainly included analysis of FLO in plasma after a single dose dietary administration of 10 mg/kg and in muscle plus skin following a multiple dosing (10 mg kg-1 day-1 for 7 days) to estimate pharmacokinetics and residue depletion, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration of FLO was measured to be 1.64 μg/ml, 4 hr post administration. The elimination half-life (t1/2b ) and the area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞ ) were calculated to be 13.0 hr and 34.7 μg h-1 ml-1 , respectively. Withdrawal times of FLO and its amine were calculated to be 46.3 degree-days, indicating a fast removal from the edible tissues of treated European seabass. Overall, FLO can be considered as a potentially efficient antibacterial agent for farmed European seabass provided that additional efforts will be devoted towards its in vitro and clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Kogiannou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Anavyssos, Attika, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Anavyssos, Attika, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Adriana Triga
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Rigos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Anavyssos, Attika, Greece
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Misol GN, Kokkari C, Katharios P. Biological and Genomic Characterization of a Novel Jumbo Bacteriophage, vB_VhaM_pir03 with Broad Host Lytic Activity against Vibrio harveyi. Pathogens 2020; 9:E1051. [PMID: 33333990 PMCID: PMC7765460 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi is a Gram-negative marine bacterium that causes major disease outbreaks and economic losses in aquaculture. Phage therapy has been considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics however, candidate bacteriophages require comprehensive characterization for a safe and practical phage therapy. In this work, a lytic novel jumbo bacteriophage, vB_VhaM_pir03 belonging to the Myoviridae family was isolated and characterized against V. harveyi type strain DSM19623. It had broad host lytic activity against 31 antibiotic-resistant strains of V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. campbellii and V. owensii. Adsorption time of vB_VhaM_pir03 was determined at 6 min while the latent-phase was at 40 min and burst-size at 75 pfu/mL. vB_VhaM_pir03 was able to lyse several host strains at multiplicity-of-infections (MOI) 0.1 to 10. The genome of vB_VhaM_pir03 consists of 286,284 base pairs with 334 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). No virulence, antibiotic resistance, integrase encoding genes and transducing potential were detected. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis showed that vB_VhaM_pir03 is a novel bacteriophage displaying the highest similarity to another jumbo phage, vB_BONAISHI infecting Vibrio coralliilyticus. Experimental phage therapy trial using brine shrimp, Artemia salina infected with V. harveyi demonstrated that vB_VhaM_pir03 was able to significantly reduce mortality 24 h post infection when administered at MOI 0.1 which suggests that it can be an excellent candidate for phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald N. Misol
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.N.M.J.); (C.K.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.N.M.J.); (C.K.)
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.N.M.J.); (C.K.)
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Mladineo I, Hrabar J, Vidjak O, Bočina I, Čolak S, Katharios P, Cascarano MC, Keklikoglou K, Volpatti D, Beraldo P. Host-Parasite Interaction between Parasitic Cymothoid Ceratothoa oestroides and Its Host, Farmed European Sea Bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax). Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030230. [PMID: 32244948 PMCID: PMC7157214 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic isopod Ceratothoa oestroides (Cymothoidea, Isopoda) is a common and generalist buccal cavity-dweller in marine fish, recognised for its detrimental effect in fingerling and juvenile farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Although distributed throughout the Mediterranean, the isopod provokes acute outbreaks mainly limited to particular endemic areas in Croatia (Adriatic Sea) and Greece (Aegean Sea). While numerous studies have previously evidenced its gross effect on farmed fish (i.e. decreased condition index, slower growth rate, lethargy and mortality), details on the host-parasite interaction are still lacking. Therefore, using a multimethodological approach, we closely examined the structure and appearance of isopod body parts acting in the attachment and feeding (stereomicroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy), and the extent of host tissues damage (histology, immunohistochemistry, micro-computational tomography) induced by parasitation. Interestingly, while hematophagous nature of the parasite has been previously postulated we found no unambiguous data to support this; we observed host tissues fragmentation and extensive hyperplasia at the parasitation site, and no structures indicative of heme detoxifying mechanisms in the parasite gut, or other traces of a blood meal. The bacterial biofilm covering C. oestroides mouthparts and pereopods suggests that the isopod may play a role in conveying secondary pathogens to the infected host, or alternatively, it serves the parasite in normal interaction with its environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Mladineo
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia; (J.H.); (O.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-21-408-047
| | - Jerko Hrabar
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia; (J.H.); (O.V.)
| | - Olja Vidjak
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia; (J.H.); (O.V.)
| | - Ivana Bočina
- Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | | | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Heraklion, 712 01 Crete, Greece; (P.K.); (M.C.C.); (K.K.)
| | - Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Heraklion, 712 01 Crete, Greece; (P.K.); (M.C.C.); (K.K.)
| | - Kleoniki Keklikoglou
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Heraklion, 712 01 Crete, Greece; (P.K.); (M.C.C.); (K.K.)
| | - Donatella Volpatti
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (D.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Paola Beraldo
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (D.V.); (P.B.)
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Katharios P, Varvarigos P, Keklikoglou K, Ruetten M, Sojan J, Akter M, Cascarano MC, Tsertou MI, Kokkari C. Native parasite affecting an introduced host in aquaculture: cardiac henneguyosis in the red seabream Pagrus major Temminck & Schlegel (Perciformes: Sparidae) caused by Henneguya aegea n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:27. [PMID: 31937360 PMCID: PMC6961378 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3888-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Henneguya Thélohan, 1892 (Myxobolidae) is one of the most species-rich genera of myxosporean parasites infecting fish. Although common in nature, there are few reports of these parasites causing important disease in aquaculture. In this paper, we describe a new species of Henneguya infecting Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), a fish host introduced to the Mediterranean Sea from Japan in the late 1980s. Results Large plasmodia of the parasite were found in the bulbus arteriosus and in the ventricle of the infected fish. Spores were found mainly in the kidney and heart and were accompanied by melanized macrophages or vascular intimal proliferation mixed with a mild non-suppurative response, respectively. Comparisons of morphometric data for spore and polar capsule length and width, suggest a unique combination of features in the newly described species. Molecular analysis, based on 18S rDNA sequence of the parasite, followed by phylogenetic analysis, indicated that the parasite described here is a novel species of Henneguya, clustered with the marine congeneric species. Conclusions Henneguya aegea n. sp. infects in aquaculture P. major, a host introduced as eggs to the Mediterranean from Japan. Despite the high host specificity of the myxobolid parasites, H. aegea n. sp. seems to be able to use P. major as a host and propagate successfully, causing morbidity and mortality. This could result in spillback of the new species from high density cultured non-native P. major to native fish hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece.
| | | | - Kleoniki Keklikoglou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maja Ruetten
- PathoVet AG, Buckstreet 2, CH-8317, Tagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Jerry Sojan
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.,Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Highlands and Islands, Oban, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Morgina Akter
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.,Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Highlands and Islands, Oban, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Ioanna Tsertou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
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20
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Anastasiou TI, Mandalakis M, Krigas N, Vézignol T, Lazari D, Katharios P, Dailianis T, Antonopoulou E. Comparative Evaluation of Essential Oils from Medicinal-Aromatic Plants of Greece: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Activity against Bacterial Fish Pathogens. Molecules 2019; 25:E148. [PMID: 31905915 PMCID: PMC6982863 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of antibiotics in aquaculture has raised concern about the impact of their overuse in marine ecosystems, seafood safety and consumers' health. This "green consumerism" has forced researchers to find new alternatives against fish pathogens. The present study focused on 12 Mediterranean medicinal-aromatic plants as potential antimicrobials and antioxidant agents that could be used in fish aquaculture. In vitro assays showed that the essential oils (EOs) from all studied plants had anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties, with their efficacy being dependent on their chemical composition. More specifically, EOs rich in carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene exhibited not only the strongest inhibitory activity against the growth of bacterial pathogens (inhibitory concentration: 26-88 μg mL-1), but also the greatest total antioxidant capacity (ABTS: 2591-5879 μmole mL-1; CUPRAC: 931-2733 μmole mL-1). These compounds were mainly found in the EOs from Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum), Spanish oregano (Thymbra capitata) and savoury (Satureja thymbra) collected from cultivations in Greece. The specific EOs stand out as promising candidates for the treatment of bacterial diseases and oxidative stress in farmed fish. Further in vivo experiments are needed to fully understand the effects of EO dietary supplementation on fish farming processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thekla I. Anastasiou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (T.I.A.); (T.V.); (P.K.); (T.D.)
| | - Manolis Mandalakis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (T.I.A.); (T.V.); (P.K.); (T.D.)
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, P.O. Box 60458, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Thomas Vézignol
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (T.I.A.); (T.V.); (P.K.); (T.D.)
| | - Diamanto Lazari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (T.I.A.); (T.V.); (P.K.); (T.D.)
| | - Thanos Dailianis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (T.I.A.); (T.V.); (P.K.); (T.D.)
| | - Efthimia Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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21
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Mladineo I, Hrabar J, Smodlaka H, Palmer L, Sakamaki K, Keklikoglou K, Katharios P. Functional Ultrastructure of the Excretory Gland Cell in Zoonotic Anisakids (Anisakidae, Nematoda). Cells 2019; 8:E1451. [PMID: 31744245 PMCID: PMC6912704 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Excretory and secretory products are crucial for parasite infectivity and host immunomodulation, but the functioning and ultrastructure of the excretory gland cell (EC) that produces these products are still scarcely understood and described. In light of growing reports on anisakiasis cases in Europe, we aimed to characterise the EC of larval Anisakispegreffii and adult Pseudoterranovaazarasi. In the latter, EC starts 0.85 mm from the head tip, measuring 1.936 × 0.564 mm. Larval EC shows a long nucleus with thorn-like extravaginations toward the cytoplasm, numerous electron-dense and -lucent secretory granules spanning from the perinuclear to subplasmalemmal space, an elevated number of free ribosomes, small, spherical mitochondria with few cristae and a laminated matrix, small and few Golgi apparatuses, and few endoplasmic reticula, with wide cisternae complexes. Ultrastructure suggests that anaerobic glycolysis is the main metabolic pathway, obtained through nutrient endocytosis across the pseudocoelomic surface of the EC plasmalemma and its endocytic canaliculi. Thorn-like extravaginations of EC karyotheca likely mediate specific processes (Ca2+ signaling, gene expression, transport, nuclear lipid metabolism) into the extremely wide EC cytosol, enabling focal delivery of a signal to specific sites in a short time. These functional annotations of parasitic EC should help to clarify anisakiasis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Mladineo
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Jerko Hrabar
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Hrvoje Smodlaka
- Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Lauren Palmer
- Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA;
| | | | - Kleoniki Keklikoglou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece; (K.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece; (K.K.); (P.K.)
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22
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Smyrli M, Triga A, Dourala N, Varvarigos P, Pavlidis M, Quoc VH, Katharios P. Comparative Study on A Novel Pathogen of European Seabass. Diversity of Aeromonas veronii in the Aegean Sea. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110504. [PMID: 31671797 PMCID: PMC6921072 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii is an emerging pathogen causing severe pathology and mortalities in European seabass aquaculture in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean. More than 50 strains of the pathogen were characterized biochemically and genetically in order to study the epidemiology of the disease, as well as the phylogeny and virulence of the bacterium. Based on the phenotypic characteristics, the isolates form three groups consisting of: (a) the West Aegean Sea, non-motile, non-pigment-producing strains, (b) the West Aegean Sea, motile, and pigment-producing strains and (c) the East Aegean Sea motile strains that produce minute amounts of pigment. All strains were highly similar at the genomic level; however, the pattern of West/East geographic origin was reflected in biochemical properties, in general genomic level comparison and in the putative virulent factors studied. Type VI secretion system was not detected in the western strains. The outer membrane protein (OMP) profile which contains proteins that are putative antigenic factors, was very similar between strains from the different areas. Although most of the OMPs were detected in all strains with great sequence similarity, diversification according to geographic origin was evident in known antigenic factors such as the maltoporin LamB. A systematic comparative analysis of the strains is presented and discussed in view of the emergence of A. veronii as a significant pathogen for the Mediterranean aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Smyrli
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece.
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece.
| | - Adriana Triga
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece.
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece.
| | - Nancy Dourala
- Fish Pathology Department, Selonda Aquaculture, 15125 Athens, Greece.
| | | | - Michael Pavlidis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece.
| | - Viet Ha Quoc
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece.
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece.
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23
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León M, Kokkari C, García K, Castillo D, Katharios P, Bastías R. Diversification of Vibrio anguillarum Driven by the Bacteriophage CHOED. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1396. [PMID: 31281297 PMCID: PMC6596326 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are an important factor in bacterial evolution. Some reports suggest that lytic bacteriophages can select for resistant mutant strains with reduced virulence. The present study explores the role of the CHOED bacteriophage in the diversification and virulence of its host Vibrio anguillarum. Nine phage-resistant strains were analyzed for their phenotype and different virulence factors, showing alterations in their fitness, motility, biofilm formation, lipopolysaccharide profiles and/or protease activity. Seven of the nine phage-resistant strains showed virulence reduction in a Sparus aurata larvae model. However, this is not generalized since two of the resistant strains show equal virulence compared with the parental strain. The genomic analysis of representative resistant strains displayed that the majority of the mutations are specific for each isolate, affecting genes related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, quorum sensing, motility, toxin and membrane transport. The observed mutations were coherent with the phenotypic and virulence differences observed. These results suggest that the CHOED phage acts as a selective pressure on V. anguillarum, allowing proliferation of resistant strains with different genotypes, phenotypes and degrees of virulence, contributing to bacterial diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela León
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katherine García
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, San Miguel, Chile
| | - Daniel Castillo
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Roberto Bastías
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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24
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Katharios P, Kalatzis PG, Kokkari C, Pavlidis M, Wang Q. Characterization of a Highly Virulent Edwardsiella anguillarum Strain Isolated From Greek Aquaculture, and a Spontaneously Induced Prophage Therein. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:141. [PMID: 30787917 PMCID: PMC6372524 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Edwardsiella-associated outbreaks are increasingly reported on both marine and freshwater aquaculture setups, accounting for severe financial and biomass losses. E. tarda, E. ictaluri, and E. hoshinae have been the traditional causative agents of edwardsiellosis in aquaculture, however, intensive studies due to the significance of the disease have just recently revealed two more species, E. piscicida and E. anguillarum. Whole genome sequencing that was conducted on the strain EA011113, isolated from farmed Diplodus puntazzo after an edwardsiellosis outbreak in Greece, confirmed it as a new clinical strain of E. anguillarum. Extensive phylogenetic analysis showed that this Greek strain is closely related to an Israeli E. piscicida-like clinical strain, isolated from diseased groupers, Epinephelus aeneus and E. marginatus in Red Sea. Bioinformatic analyses of E. anguillarum strain EA011113 unveiled a wide repertoire of potential virulence factors, the effect of which was corroborated by the mortalities that the strain induced in adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, under different levels of infection intensity (LD50 after 48 h: 1.85 × 104 cfu/fish). This strain was non-motile and according to electron microscopy lacked flagella, a fact that is not typical for E. anguillarum. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a deletion of 36 nt found in the flagellar biosynthetic gene (FlhB) that could explain that trait. Further in silico analysis revealed an intact prophage that was integrated in the bacterial genome. Following spontaneous induction, the phage was isolated, purified, characterized and independently sequenced, confirming its viability as a free, inducible virion as well. Separate genomic analysis of the prophage implies a plausible case of lysogenic conversion. Focusing on edwardsiellosis as a rapidly emerging aquaculture disease on a global scale, this work offers some insight into the virulence, fitness, and potential lysogenic conversion of a of a newly described, yet highly pathogenic, strain of E. anguillarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panos G. Kalatzis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Qiyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, China
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25
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Qi W, Cascarano MC, Schlapbach R, Katharios P, Vaughan L, Seth-Smith HMB. Ca. Endozoicomonas cretensis: A Novel Fish Pathogen Characterized by Genome Plasticity. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1363-1374. [PMID: 29726925 PMCID: PMC6007542 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endozoicomonas bacteria are generally beneficial symbionts of diverse marine invertebrates including reef-building corals, sponges, sea squirts, sea slugs, molluscs, and Bryozoans. In contrast, the recently reported Ca. Endozoicomonas cretensis was identified as a vertebrate pathogen, causing epitheliocystis in fish larvae resulting in massive mortality. Here, we described the Ca. E. cretensis draft genome, currently undergoing genome decay as evidenced by massive insertion sequence (IS element) expansion and pseudogene formation. Many of the insertion sequences are also predicted to carry outward-directed promoters, implying that they may be able to modulate the expression of neighbouring coding sequences (CDSs). Comparative genomic analysis has revealed many Ca. E. cretensis-specific CDSs, phage integration and novel gene families. Potential virulence related CDSs and machineries were identified in the genome, including secretion systems and related effector proteins, and systems related to biofilm formation and directed cell movement. Mucin degradation would be of importance to a fish pathogen, and many candidate CDSs associated with this pathway have been identified. The genome may reflect a bacterium in the process of changing niche from symbiont to pathogen, through expansion of virulence genes and some loss of metabolic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Pathovet AG, Tagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Kokkari C, Sarropoulou E, Bastias R, Mandalakis M, Katharios P. Isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriophage infecting Vibrio alginolyticus. Arch Microbiol 2018; 200:707-718. [DOI: 10.1007/s00203-018-1480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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27
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Cascarano MC, Keklikoglou K, Arvanitidis C, Katharios P. Contribution to the morphological description of the marine leech, <i>Ozobranchus</i> <i>margoi</i> (Apáthy) (Rhynchobdellida: Ozobranchidae) by using combined histology, micro-CT and SEM. Zootaxa 2017; 4337:91-108. [PMID: 29242432 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4337.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The ozobranchid leech, Ozobranchus margoi (Apáthy, 1890), parasite of the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta (Linnæus), was described through a multilevel approach including three different techniques: scanning electronic microscopy, histology and micro-CT. New insights are provided concerning the structure of the sensilla on the body, the eyes with emphasis on the structure of photoreceptors, the digestive system and the reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Cascarano
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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28
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Sterioti A, Doxa CC, Grigoriou P, Vardanis G, Cascarano MC, Katharios P. Ozobranchus margoi Infections in Loggerhead Turtles ( Caretta caretta) in Greece and Potential Treatment Options. J Exot Pet Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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29
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Katharios P. Virulence regulation during late infection by a fish pathogen; sense and sensibility of bacteria may lead to novel vaccine development strategy. Virulence 2017. [PMID: 28641041 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1344807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- a Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research , Former American Base of Gournes , Heraklion , Crete , Greece
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30
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Kalatzis PG, Rørbo NI, Castillo D, Mauritzen JJ, Jørgensen J, Kokkari C, Zhang F, Katharios P, Middelboe M. Stumbling across the Same Phage: Comparative Genomics of Widespread Temperate Phages Infecting the Fish Pathogen Vibrio anguillarum. Viruses 2017; 9:E122. [PMID: 28531104 PMCID: PMC5454434 DOI: 10.3390/v9050122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nineteen Vibrio anguillarum-specific temperate bacteriophages isolated across Europe and Chile from aquaculture and environmental sites were genome sequenced and analyzed for host range, morphology and life cycle characteristics. The phages were classified as Siphoviridae with genome sizes between 46,006 and 54,201 bp. All 19 phages showed high genetic similarity, and 13 phages were genetically identical. Apart from sporadically distributed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genetic diversifications were located in three variable regions (VR1, VR2 and VR3) in six of the phage genomes. Identification of specific genes, such as N6-adenine methyltransferase and lambda like repressor, as well as the presence of a tRNAArg, suggested a both mutualistic and parasitic interaction between phages and hosts. During short term phage exposure experiments, 28% of a V. anguillarum host population was lysogenized by the temperate phages and a genomic analysis of a collection of 31 virulent V. anguillarum showed that the isolated phages were present as prophages in >50% of the strains covering large geographical distances. Further, phage sequences were widely distributed among CRISPR-Cas arrays of publicly available sequenced Vibrios. The observed distribution of these specific temperate Vibriophages across large geographical scales may be explained by efficient dispersal of phages and bacteria in the marine environment combined with a mutualistic interaction between temperate phages and their hosts which selects for co-existence rather than arms race dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos G Kalatzis
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Crete, 71500, Greece.
| | - Nanna Iben Rørbo
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
| | - Daniel Castillo
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
| | | | - Jóhanna Jørgensen
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Crete, 71500, Greece.
| | - Faxing Zhang
- Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Park, No.21 Hongan 3rd Street, Building NO. 7, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Crete, 71500, Greece.
| | - Mathias Middelboe
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, DK-3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
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31
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Seth-Smith HMB, Katharios P, Dourala N, Mateos JM, Fehr AGJ, Nufer L, Ruetten M, Guevara Soto M, Vaughan L. Ca. Similichlamydia in Epitheliocystis Co-infection of Gilthead Seabream Gills: Unique Morphological Features of a Deep Branching Chlamydial Family. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:508. [PMID: 28424665 PMCID: PMC5371595 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae (PVC) bacterial superphylum constitutes a broad range of organisms with an intriguing array of ultrastructural morphologies, including intracellular membranes and compartments and their corresponding complex genomes encoding these forms. The phylum Chlamydiae are all obligate intracellular bacteria and, although much is already known of their genomes from various families and how these regulate the various morphological forms, we know remarkably little about what is likely the deepest rooting clade of this phylum, which has only been found to contain pathogens of marine and fresh water vertebrates. The disease they are associated with is called epitheliocystis; however, analyses of the causative agents is hindered by an inability to cultivate them for refined in vitro experimentation. For this reason, we have developed tools to analyse both the genomes and the ultrastructures of bacteria causing this disease, directly from infected tissues. Here we present structural data for a member of the family Ca. Similichlamydiaceae from this deep-rooted clade, which we have identified using molecular tools, in epitheliocystis lesions of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in Greece. We present evidence that the chlamydial inclusions appear to develop in a perinuclear location, similar to other members of the phylum and that a chlamydial developmental cycle is present, with chlamydial forms similar to reticular bodies (RBs) and elementary bodies (EBs) detected. Division of the RBs appeared to follow a budding process, and larger RBs with multiple condensed nucleoids were detected using both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by focused-ion beam, scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). As model hosts, fish offer many advantages for investigation, and we hope by these efforts to encourage others to explore the biology of fish pathogens from the PVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland.,Functional Genomics Center Zürich, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and AquacultureHeraklion, Greece
| | | | - José M Mateos
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander G J Fehr
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland
| | - Lisbeth Nufer
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland
| | - Maja Ruetten
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland.,Pathovet AGTagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Maricruz Guevara Soto
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Centre of Fish and Wildlife Health, University of BernBern, Switzerland
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of ZürichZürich, Switzerland.,Pathovet AGTagelswangen, Switzerland
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Skliros D, Kalatzis PG, Katharios P, Flemetakis E. Comparative Functional Genomic Analysis of Two Vibrio Phages Reveals Complex Metabolic Interactions with the Host Cell. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1807. [PMID: 27895630 PMCID: PMC5107563 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequencing and annotation was performed for two large double stranded DNA bacteriophages, φGrn1 and φSt2 of the Myoviridae family, considered to be of great interest for phage therapy against Vibrios in aquaculture live feeds. In addition, phage–host metabolic interactions and exploitation was studied by transcript profiling of selected viral and host genes. Comparative genomic analysis with other large Vibrio phages was also performed to establish the presence and location of homing endonucleases highlighting distinct features for both phages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they belong to the “schizoT4like” clade. Although many reports of newly sequenced viruses have provided a large set of information, basic research related to the shift of the bacterial metabolism during infection remains stagnant. The function of many viral protein products in the process of infection is still unknown. Genome annotation identified the presence of several viral open reading frames (ORFs) participating in metabolism, including a Sir2/cobB (sirtuin) protein and a number of genes involved in auxiliary NAD+ and nucleotide biosynthesis, necessary for phage DNA replication. Key genes were subsequently selected for detail study of their expression levels during infection. This work suggests a complex metabolic interaction and exploitation of the host metabolic pathways and biochemical processes, including a possible post-translational protein modification, by the virus during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Skliros
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Panos G Kalatzis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, HeraklionCrete, Greece; Marine Biological Section, University of CopenhagenHelsingør, Denmark
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens Athens, Greece
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Qi W, Vaughan L, Katharios P, Schlapbach R, Seth-Smith HMB. Host-Associated Genomic Features of the Novel Uncultured Intracellular Pathogen Ca. Ichthyocystis Revealed by Direct Sequencing of Epitheliocysts. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:1672-89. [PMID: 27190004 PMCID: PMC4943182 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in single-cell and mini-metagenome sequencing have enabled important investigations into uncultured bacteria. In this study, we applied the mini-metagenome sequencing method to assemble genome drafts of the uncultured causative agents of epitheliocystis, an emerging infectious disease in the Mediterranean aquaculture species gilthead seabream. We sequenced multiple cyst samples and constructed 11 genome drafts from a novel beta-proteobacterial lineage, Candidatus Ichthyocystis. The draft genomes demonstrate features typical of pathogenic bacteria with an obligate intracellular lifestyle: a reduced genome of up to 2.6 Mb, reduced G + C content, and reduced metabolic capacity. Reconstruction of metabolic pathways reveals that Ca Ichthyocystis genomes lack all amino acid synthesis pathways, compelling them to scavenge from the fish host. All genomes encode type II, III, and IV secretion systems, a large repertoire of predicted effectors, and a type IV pilus. These are all considered to be virulence factors, required for adherence, invasion, and host manipulation. However, no evidence of lipopolysaccharide synthesis could be found. Beyond the core functions shared within the genus, alignments showed distinction into different species, characterized by alternative large gene families. These comprise up to a third of each genome, appear to have arisen through duplication and diversification, encode many effector proteins, and are seemingly critical for virulence. Thus, Ca Ichthyocystis represents a novel obligatory intracellular pathogenic beta-proteobacterial lineage. The methods used: mini-metagenome analysis and manual annotation, have generated important insights into the lifestyle and evolution of the novel, uncultured pathogens, elucidating many putative virulence factors including an unprecedented array of novel gene families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lloyd Vaughan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Kalatzis PG, Bastías R, Kokkari C, Katharios P. Isolation and Characterization of Two Lytic Bacteriophages, φSt2 and φGrn1; Phage Therapy Application for Biological Control of Vibrio alginolyticus in Aquaculture Live Feeds. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151101. [PMID: 26950336 PMCID: PMC4780772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are a serious problem in aquaculture since they can result in massive mortalities in farmed fish and invertebrates. Vibriosis is one of the most common diseases in marine aquaculture hatcheries and its causative agents are bacteria of the genus Vibrio mostly entering larval rearing water through live feeds, such as Artemia and rotifers. The pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus strain V1, isolated during a vibriosis outbreak in cultured seabream, Sparus aurata, was used as host to isolate and characterize the two novel bacteriophages φSt2 and φGrn1 for phage therapy application. In vitro cell lysis experiments were performed against the bacterial host V. alginolyticus strain V1 but also against 12 presumptive Vibrio strains originating from live prey Artemia salina cultures indicating the strong lytic efficacy of the 2 phages. In vivo administration of the phage cocktail, φSt2 and φGrn1, at MOI = 100 directly on live prey A. salina cultures, led to a 93% decrease of presumptive Vibrio population after 4 h of treatment. Current study suggests that administration of φSt2 and φGrn1 to live preys could selectively reduce Vibrio load in fish hatcheries. Innovative and environmental friendly solutions against bacterial diseases are more than necessary and phage therapy is one of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos G. Kalatzis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Roberto Bastías
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
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Andree KB, Roque A, Duncan N, Gisbert E, Estevez A, Tsertou MI, Katharios P. Diplectanum sciaenae (Van Beneden & Hesse, 1863) (Monogenea) infecting meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) broodstock in Catalonia, Spain. A case report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2015; 1-2:75-79. [PMID: 31018414 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent infection of captive meagre, Argyrosomus regius, by a monogenean parasite has been observed in the broodstock facilities of Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) in Catalonia, Spain, between 2008 and 2015. Following handling procedures related with hormonal treatment for spawning induction, one fish died. Post-mortem examination and detailed microscopical examination using light microscopy, SEM, and histology revealed intense infection by Diplectanum sciaenae (Monogenea, Diplectanidae) which caused noteworthy gill pathology. In the present study, we provide detailed description of the parasite and the pathology caused to its host. This is the first report associating this parasite with disease and mortality in farmed meagre.
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Affiliation(s)
- K B Andree
- IRTA, C/ al Poble Nou, Km 5,5 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - A Roque
- IRTA, C/ al Poble Nou, Km 5,5 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - N Duncan
- IRTA, C/ al Poble Nou, Km 5,5 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - E Gisbert
- IRTA, C/ al Poble Nou, Km 5,5 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - A Estevez
- IRTA, C/ al Poble Nou, Km 5,5 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - M I Tsertou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, HCMR, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - P Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, HCMR, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece.
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Castillo D, D'Alvise P, Middelboe M, Gram L, Liu S, Kalatzis PG, Kokkari C, Katharios P. Draft Genome Sequences of the Fish Pathogen Vibrio harveyi Strains VH2 and VH5. Genome Announc 2015; 3:e01062-15. [PMID: 26383670 PMCID: PMC4574375 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01062-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi is an important marine pathogen that is responsible for vibriosis outbreaks in cultured fish and invertebrates worldwide. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of V. harveyi strains VH2 and VH5, isolated from farmed juvenile Seriola dumerili during outbreaks of vibriosis in Crete, Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Castillo
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul D'Alvise
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias Middelboe
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Panos G Kalatzis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Katharios P, Kokkari C, Dourala N, Smyrli M. First report of Edwardsiellosis in cage-cultured sharpsnout sea bream, Diplodus puntazzo from the Mediterranean. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:155. [PMID: 26193880 PMCID: PMC4508803 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Edwardsiella tarda, is a serious bacterial pathogen affecting a broad range of aquaculture fish species. The bacterium has also been reported as a human pathogen, however recent studies have dissociated the fish pathogenic Edwardsiella from those isolated from humans by placing them in a new species, E. piscicida. Here we report the first case of Edwardsiellosis in cultured sharpsnout sea breams, Diplodus puntazzo in Greece. Case presentation The disease has affected cultured sharpsnout sea breams of a commercial fish farm in a single location in East Greece. Two populations of sharpsnout sea breams stocked in two consecutive years in floating cages presented signs of disease which included nodules and abscesses in spleen and kidney, morbidity and cumulative mortality reaching 5.3 %. Using microbiological, biochemical and molecular tools we have identified Edwardsiella sp. as the main aetiological factor of the disease. Following phylogenetic analysis the bacterial isolates are grouped with the newly described Edwardsiella piscicida species. Conclusions This is the first report of Edwardsiellosis in this species but most importantly in sea cage-cultured fish in the Mediterranean which may pose a serious threat for aquaculture fish species in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece.
| | - Constantina Kokkari
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece.
| | - Nancy Dourala
- Selonda Aquaculture, Navarhou Nikodimou 30, 105 56, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Smyrli
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Former American Base of Gournes, Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece.
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Tsalafouta A, Papandroulakis N, Gorissen M, Katharios P, Flik G, Pavlidis M. Ontogenesis of the HPI axis and molecular regulation of the cortisol stress response during early development in Dicentrarchus labrax. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5525. [PMID: 24984570 PMCID: PMC4078316 DOI: 10.1038/srep05525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortisol stress response and the molecular programming of the corticoid axis were characterized for the first time during early ontogeny in a Mediterranean marine teleost, the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Sea bass embryos, pre-larvae and larvae at specific points of development were exposed to acute stressors and the temporal patterns of cortisol whole body concentrations and the expression of genes involved in corticosteroid biosynthesis, degradation and signaling were determined. Expression of genes (gr1, gr2, mr, crf) involved into the corticoid response regulation combined with histological data indicated that, although a cortisol stress response is evident for the first time around first feeding, a pattern becomes established in larvae at flexion until the formation of all fins. Moreover, mRNA transcript levels of 11β-hydroxylase and 11β-hsd2 showed a strong correlation with the whole body cortisol concentrations. Concluding, our data reveal the presence of an adaptive mechanism in European sea bass at early ontogeny enabling to cope with external stressful stimuli and provide a better insight into the onset and regulation of the stress response in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tsalafouta
- University of Crete, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 2208, GR-714 09, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - N Papandroulakis
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Aquaculture, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - M Gorissen
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - P Katharios
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Aquaculture, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G Flik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - M Pavlidis
- University of Crete, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 2208, GR-714 09, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Katharios P, Kokkari C, Sterioti A, Smyrli M, Kalatzis PG. Enteromyxum leei infection in parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense: Histopathological, morphological and molecular study. Vet Parasitol 2014; 199:136-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kostopoulou V, Tsopelakos A, Zogopoulou E, Miliou H, Divanach P, Katharios P. The effect of different phytoplankton species and commercial enrichment products on the fatty acid profile, enzyme activity, and overall condition of the rotifer Brachionus Plicatilis. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2013; 78:219-222. [PMID: 25141673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Georgakopoulou E, Loizides M, Christou M, Iliopoulou M, Papadakis I, Katharios P, Divanach P, Koumoundouros G. Thermally-induced phenotypic plasticity in gilthead sea bream. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2013; 78:143-146. [PMID: 25141650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Katharios P, Papadaki M, Ternengo S, Kantham PK, Zeri C, Petraki PE, Divanach P. Chronic ulcerative dermatopathy in cultured marine fishes. Comparative study in sharpsnout sea bream, Diplodus puntazzo (Walbaum). J Fish Dis 2011; 34:459-474. [PMID: 21545440 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2761.2011.01257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic ulcerative dermatopathy (CUD) also known as chronic erosive dermatopathy, hole-in-the-head, head and lateral line erosion syndrome (HLLE) and lateral line depigmentation (LLD) is a chronic disease of unknown aetiology that affects the lateral line canals of the head and the trunk of various fish species. It has been described only in freshwater species although there are reports that it also affects marine fish. Here, we describe the disease in cultured sharpsnout sea bream using histology and scanning electron microscopy and identify several marine species as CUD sensitive. The results of this study correlate the development of the disease with the use of borehole water, indicating that the aetiology is probably associated with water quality rather than nutritional imbalance or infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Katharios
- Institute of Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Crete, Greece.
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Katharios P, Rigos G, Divanach P. Enteromyxum leei (Myxozoa), a Lethal Intruder of Tropical Pet Fish: First Case in Humphead Wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus (Rüppell, 1835). J Exot Pet Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ternengo S, Quilichini Y, Katharios P, Marchand B. Sperm ultrastructure of the gall bladder fluke Anisocoelium capitellatum (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae), a parasite of Uranoscopus scaber (Pisces: Uranoscopidae). Parasitol Res 2008; 104:801-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Katharios P, Papadaki M, Papandroulakis N, Divanach P. Severe mortality in mesocosm-reared sharpsnout sea bream Diplodus puntazzo larvae due to epitheliocystis infection. Dis Aquat Organ 2008; 82:55-60. [PMID: 19062753 DOI: 10.3354/dao01968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes severe mortalities recorded in sharpsnout sea bream Diplodus puntazzo larvae reared in mesocosms. The mortalities were attributed to epitheliocystis infection. The pathology associated with the disease is described using histological techniques. Microscopical examination showed a massive infection of the skin, fins, and oral cavity, with impaired feeding, respiration, and osmoregulation being the most likely cause of death. This is the first report of epitheliocystis disease in sharpsnout sea bream and in fish at such an early developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Institute of Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece.
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Katharios P, Pavlidis M, Iliopoulou-Georgudaki J. Accumulation of ivermectin in the brain of sea bream, Sparus aurata after intraperitoneal administration. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2004; 17:9-12. [PMID: 21782707 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2004.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2003] [Accepted: 01/14/2004] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ivermectin, which is widely used in veterinary and human, has been considered safe due to its inability to penetrate into the central nervous system of higher vertebrates. This paper presents data on the ability of the drug to cross the blood-brain barrier of the marine teleost sea bream, Sparus aurata and accumulate in the brain. The concentration of the drug in the brain and the serum of the fish was assessed by the use of a direct competitive ELISA commercial kit. Our results showed a rapid uptake of the substance by the brain of the fish reaching a maximum concentration of 98.9ngg(-1) 8h post treatment. The trend of the absorption of the drug in brain followed that of the blood. Concentration of the drug in the brain remained high at each sampling point over the 24h duration of the experiment. In view of these findings, the need of study of the role of the blood-brain barrier and particularly the multidrug resistance mechanism in sea bream is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Katharios
- Department of Biology, Unit of Pollution and Ecotoxicology, Section of Zoology, University of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece
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