www.edpsciences.org/alr Aquatic Living Resources Bacterial disease in marine bivalves, a review of recent studies: Trends and evolution

• Main Authors: Christine Paillard, Frédérique Le Roux, Juan J. Borrego
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pacific; Pacific oyster
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.598.1240; http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2004/publication-407.pdf

Abstract – The main microbial diseases affecting marine cultured bivalves have been revised on the basis of the eti-ologic agents, pathogenesis and pathogenicity. Several recent bivalve-interaction models have been studied, including Pecten larvae-Vibrio pectinicida, brown ring disease, juvenile oyster disease, Pacific oyster nocardiosis and summer mortalities of oysters. In addition, the taxonomy and phylogeny of new potential bivalve pathogens and their virulence factors have been established. Facing the difficulty of identifying bacterial strains associated with molluscan diseases (mainly vibriosis), polyphasic approaches have been developed to correlate the phenotype and genotype of potential pathogens. By evaluating likely virulence mechanisms, developing biotests to screen virulent strains and characterising the genes implicated in pathogenesis, a new generation of diagnostic tools, based on potential virulence, will be devel-oped. Acquisition of pertinent diagnostic tools will be of major benefit in disease management, health surveillance and monitoring will contribute to maintaining sustainable aquaculture industries.