Analysis of plasmids encoding the histidine decarboxylase gene in Tetragenococcus muriaticus isolated from Japanese fermented seafoods

In order to analyze the genes related to histamine production in halophilic lactic acid bacteria, 16 strains of histamine-producing bacteria were isolated from three fermented seafoods produced in the Hokuriku region of Japan. Phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses identified all of the strains as those of Tetragenococcus muriaticus. Pyruvoyl-dependent histidine decarboxylase gene (hdcA) was determined from all strains using the PCR method with an hdcA-specific detection primer set. Genetic analyses (Southern blot and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) of hdcA and genes related to histamine production (the hdc cluster) confirmed that all of the strains harbored 21–23 kbp plasmids encoding a single copy of hdcA. The four representative strains were selected based on isolation source and genetic analysis, and subsequently full sequences of plasmids harbored in these strains were determined. hdc cluster sequences from the plasmids showed very high similarity (>99 %) to known hdc clusters of T. halophilus, Lactobacillus hilgardii 0006, and other lactic acid bacteria. The structures of the plasmids, the replication region, the hdc cluster, and the plasmid maintenance system were conserved between the plasmids present in new isolates and the T. halophilus strains. These results indicate that plasmids encoding hdcA are widely distributed among T. halophilus and T. muriaticus and function in both species.     

Analysis of plasmids encoding the tyrosine decarboxylase gene in Tetragenococcus halophilus isolated from fish sauce

In order to elucidate mechanisms of tyramine accumulation during fish sauce production, two tyramine-producing bacterial strains, referred to as TyrA and TyrB, were isolated from fish sauce mash accumulating over 141 mg of tyramine per 100 g of sample. Both strains were identified as Tetragenococcus halophilus based on phenotypic characterization and a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Molecular analysis of the tyramine-producing gene in the two strains confirmed the presence of a ~30-kb plasmid encoding a single copy of the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent tyrosine decarboxylase gene (tdcA) along with three other genes related to tyramine synthesis (tdc cluster). The complete nucleotide sequences of plasmids extracted from the two strains indicated that both plasmids were almost identical, except for a 1.6-kb transposon sequence in the plasmid from the strain TyrB. Both plasmids had a replication region, a plasmid maintenance region, and two putative mobile genetic elements located upstream and downstream of the tdc cluster. This structure was identical to that of tetragenococcal plasmids encoding histidine decarboxylase (hdcA), which were sequenced previously. These results suggest a common origin for plasmids encoding hdcA and tdcA. In addition, the genes for both these biogenic amines are distributed among tetragenococcal species via this plasmid.     

Microfloral and chemical changes during the processing of heshiko produced by aging salted mackerel with rice bran through conventional practices in the Wakasa Bay area,Fukui, Japan

Microbiological profiles during the processing of heshiko, produced by aging salted mackerel with rice bran for over seven months, were investigated in connection with the production of organic acids and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN). Viable counts in commercial heshiko samples were in the range of 10⁴–10⁷ cfu/g in 2.5% NaCl-GYP agar medium, and over 80% of them were identified as Tetragenococcus halophilus via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. When experimentally processing heshiko using conventional practices, viable counts in fish flesh increased to 10⁶ cfu/g during the aging process with rice bran, which was accompanied by a marked increase in lactic acid but only slight production of VBN. Although the dominant species among the microflora in raw mackerel was identified as a Staphylococcus sp., the microflora diversified during the salting process. T. halophilus was prominent during the early stage of aging. The microflora gradually simplified with aging, and eventually consisted of only T. halophilus after five months of aging. These results suggest that a simple microflora consisting of T. halophilus forms when processing heshiko using conventional practices because of the stable environment present, which contains carbohydrates as fermentation materials in rice bran, along with high salinity (around 10%).     

Effects of soy sauce <Emphasis Type="Italic">koji</Emphasis> and lactic acid bacteria on the fermentation of fish sauce from freshwater silver carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</Emphasis>

The effects of soy sauce koji and the lactic acid bacterium, Tetragenococcus halophilus, were studied on the fermentation of fish sauce prepared from Chinese silver carp. The fish sauce prepared without koji and the lactic acid bacterium contained low levels of organic materials, total nitrogen, and organic acids. The use of koji was effective in increasing these qualitative parameters and further improved the amino acid score of the fish sauce. Addition of T. halophilus had an effect on lowering the pH value during the initial period of fermentation when the soy sauce koji was also supplemented. In contrast, T. halophilus-like bacteria were found to be predominant for all tanks fermented under the different starting conditions. Although it was not examined whether the T. halophilus-like bacteria observed after fermentation were the same as the starter-bacterium or not, it was suggested that T. halophilus plays an important role in the successful fermentation of silver carp fish sauce. Sensory evaluation conducted with Japanese and Chinese panelists also suggested the superiority of the use of koji for fermentation of silver carp fish sauce.     

Behavior of histamine-producing bacteria in shimesaba, raw mackerel salted and marinated in vinegar during processing and storage at various temperatures

To study the behavior of histamine-producing bacteria during the processing and storage of shimesaba, we inoculated histamine-producing bacteria into raw mackerel and then evaluated bacterial counts and histamine content at each shimesaba processing step. Six histamine-producing bacteria—Morganella morganii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Raoultella planticola, Photobacterium damselae (2 strains), and Photobacterium phosphoreum—were inoculated onto the surface of mackerel fillets at various cell densities (no inoculation, 10⁴, and 10⁷ cfu ml^?1). The fillets were then treated according to the common procedure used for processing shimesaba. The concentration of NaCl in brine during the salting procedure was 10 % (w/v), and the main ingredients of the marinade broth were 27 % vinegar, 3.8 % sucrose, 0.3 % sodium glutamate, and 0.1 % sodium succinate. The level of histamine-producing bacteria and of histamine did not increase during the salting and marinating procedures. However, during the storage tests, histamine content increased remarkably in the shimesaba products stored at 10 °C for 3 days, and organoleptical degradation was also observed. However, significant deterioration, based on bacterial count, histamine content, and organoleptic evaluation, was not observed in samples stored at 5 °C. These results indicate that the use of traditional marinade broth during the processing of shimesaba and storage below 5 °C are effective methods for preventing histamine accumulation.     

黑棘鲷内脏结节病病原的分离、鉴定及致病性研究

2017年4月,浙江台州某海水养殖公司跑道式养殖池黑棘鲷大量发病,病鱼活力下降、食欲减退、体表溃疡,剖检可见肝脏、脾脏、肾脏肿大且有不同程度的白色结节,同时伴随大量腹水。用胰蛋白胨大豆琼脂(TSA)从典型结节病濒死黑棘鲷器官分离到革兰阴性短杆菌。分离病原菌AS15对健康黑棘鲷的致病力结果显示,AS15腹腔注射可使健康黑棘鲷发病死亡,死亡黑棘鲷可出现自然发病症状,在(24±1)°C的条件下,(25±2) g黑棘鲷的半数致死浓度(LD_(50))为6.5×10~4 CFU/尾。经API 20E鉴定,分离菌株AS15生理生化特性与类杀鱼爱德华氏菌LADL05-105和迟缓爱德华氏菌典型菌ATCC15947相似度为86.2%,与杀鱼爱德华氏菌ET~T883的相似度为82.8%;AS15的16S rDNA与杀鱼爱德华氏菌ET~T883同源性达99%,gyrB与类杀鱼爱德华氏菌LADL05-105和杀鱼爱德华氏菌ETT883同源性分别为100%和98%;16S rDNA进化树显示,AS15与ETT883、LADL05-105聚为一簇,gyrB进化树与LADL05-105、NCIM2056聚为一簇;采用4种爱德华氏菌属种特异性引物对AS15进行PCR分析,结果显示,AS15可扩增出类杀鱼爱德华氏菌的种特异性片段,不能扩增出迟缓爱德华氏菌、鲇鱼爱德华氏菌、杀鱼爱德华氏菌的种特异性片段,表明AS15属类杀鱼爱德华氏菌成员。分析了AS15的菌毛基因、sodB等毒力基因,发现AS15具有fimA、fimB、fimC、fimD等4种菌毛基因和sodB、citC、esrB、mukF、katB等毒力基因。本实验首次从黑棘鲷上检出致病性类杀鱼爱德华氏菌,该菌对黑棘鲷的发病机制和毒力机理还需进一步研究。     

采用Illumina MiSeq测序技术比较日本鲭和大黄鱼冷藏期间的腐败特性

为比较日本鲭和大黄鱼肌肉中微生物和代谢功能的变化及其与鱼肉腐败特性之间的关系,本研究检测了2种鱼在冷藏过程中的理化指标和菌落总数的变化,利用Illumina Miseq测序技术分析细菌群落变化,并利用皮尔森相关性分析检验微生物与鱼肉腐败及组胺产生相关性,结合功能预测分析细菌群落组成与代谢功能之间的关系。结果显示,冷藏期间日本鲭和大黄鱼的pH、挥发性盐基氮、组胺、菌落总数等均呈上升趋势,且日本鲭上升较快;冷藏末期2种鱼TVB-N值和组胺含量分别达到76.34、59.98和59.92、3.11 mg/100 g;日本鲭肌肉中细菌丰富度和多样性先增加后减少,大黄鱼则整体呈下降趋势;2种鱼肌肉中的优势腐败菌均为希瓦氏菌属;日本鲭体内与TVB-N产生相关的菌共12种,其中10种与组胺产生具有显著相关性;大黄鱼体内与TVB-N产生相关的菌共7种,但未检测出与组胺产生具有相关性的细菌;冷藏过程中氨基酸代谢和碳水化合物代谢为最主要的代谢通路,日本鲭样品组氨酸、精氨酸、脯氨酸等氨基酸代谢相关基因和丁酸丁酯代谢、丙酸酯代谢及丙酮酸代谢丰度均显著高于同一时期的大黄鱼,本实验从微生物代谢水平解释了日本鲭比大黄鱼更易腐败的原因,为不同水产品腐败特性的研究提供新思路。     

cel-EIIB蛋白调控罗非鱼无乳链球菌强毒、弱毒株毒力相关基因的表达模式

罗非鱼无乳链球菌纤维二糖-磷酸转移酶系统（cel-PTS）的EIIB蛋白对强毒株毒力影响有限，但对弱毒株毒力似乎存在潜在的影响，但具体机制仍不清晰，有必要弄清该蛋白调控强、弱毒株的毒力相关基因表达模式。在前期研究中，通过同源重组技术，构建了无乳链球菌强毒株cel-EIIB基因缺失株，本研究通过类似的方法，获得弱毒株该基因的缺失株。用无乳链球菌强毒、弱毒株及它们的cel-EIIB缺失株分别感染斑马鱼，结果显示，cel-EIIB缺失后，导致弱毒株毒力明显返强，而强毒株毒力则轻微减弱。qPCR检测发现，cel-EIIB缺失可致cel-PTS系统的cel-EIIA、双组分信号转导系统（TCS）的DltR和CiaH以及毒力基因sodA、cpsD和cpsG在强、弱毒株中呈现相反的表达模式；此外，TCS系统的RgfC、DltS和CsrR以及毒力基因cspA和pavA在强毒突变株中表达未受影响，但在弱毒突变株中的表达却显著上调。研究揭示，EIIB蛋白可能通过调控上述毒力相关基因表达而负调控弱毒菌株的毒力。     

Tilapia recirculating aquaculture systems as a source of plant growth promoting bacteria

A recirculating aquaculture system with farmed tilapia is the most popular combination in aquaponics, an integration of aquaculture and hydroponics. Despite nutrient‐rich fish‐rearing water being regarded as a valuable resource for aquaponics, the quality and value of inhabitant microorganisms are certainly understudied. Our present research illustrates the feasibility of the tilapia‐rearing water as a valuable source of beneficial microorganisms called plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Microbial communities were examined with a combination of culture‐independent high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and cultivation methods. Microbial communities determined using high‐throughput sequencing indicated the usefulness of Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria as beneficial microbial indicators to assess the health condition of recirculating aquaculture systems. Siderophore production, ammonia production and phosphate solubilization assays were used for screening and 41% of isolates were identified as plant growth promoting bacteria. These bacteria were classified as Actinobacteria (eight strains [32% in total], Dietzia, Gordonia, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium and Rhodococcus), Bacilli (six strains [24%], Bacillus and Paenibacillus), Flavobacteriia (one strain [4%], Myroides), Betaproteobacteria (two strains [8%], Acidovorax and Chromobacterium) and Gammaproteobacteria (eight strains [32%], Aeromonas, Plesiomonas and Pseudomonas). We found that the tilapia‐rearing water naturally contained various lineages of PGPB and could be esteemed as a worthy seed bank of PGPB. Because aquaponics is a difficult system to use pesticides and herbicides, the role of PGPB to prevent plant pathogens and maintain healthy root system may be more important than traditional agricultural settings.     

The effect of dietary inulin on aerobic bacteria associated with hindgut of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.)

The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the population level of adherent (autochthonous) aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in the hindgut of healthy Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) fed dextrin or inulin. This was assessed by the dilution plate technique, and visualized using both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A population level of 4.8 × 10⁵ adherent bacteria per gram wet mass was found in the hindgut of fish fed a casein‐based diet supplemented with 15% dextrin. However, substituting dextrin with 15% inulin reduced the bacterial population level in the hindgut (3.56 × 10⁴). A total of 217 bacterial isolates were identified by key phenotypical and biochemical characteristics. In addition, 22 strains were also identified by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition of bacteria colonizing the hindgut of Arctic charr fed dextrin was dominated by the genera Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Psychrobacter glacincola and Streptococcus. However, bacteria colonizing the hindgut of fish fed inulin were dominated by Gram‐positive bacteria of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Carnobacterium and Bacillus. While Carnobacterium divergens‐like strains were isolated from charr fed dextrin, Carnobacterium maltaromicus‐like strains were isolated from the hindgut of fish fed inulin. Electron microscopical analysis of hindgut regions confirmed traditional culture‐based microbial analysis as fewer bacterial cells were observed between microvilli and associated with the surfaces of enterocytes of fish fed inulin rather than dextrin.     

Identification of gut‐associated amylase,cellulase and protease‐producing bacteria in three species of Indian major carps

Isolation and enumeration of amylase, cellulase and protease‐producing autochthonous bacteria in the proximal intestine (PI) and distal intestine (DI) of three species of Indian major carps, catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and rohu (Labeo rohita), were investigated using the conventional culture‐based technique. Population levels of amylolytic strains were the highest in the PI of catla and the lowest in the DI of rohu. The highest viable count of cellulase and protease‐producing bacteria was recorded in the DI and PI of mrigal respectively. Among the bacteria isolated, 10 strains (five from PI and five from DI) were selected as potent enzyme producers according to a quantitative enzyme assay. The chosen strains were further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The five strains isolated from catla showed high similarity to Citrobacter sp. clone W2, Enterobacter sp. JA24, Bacillus coagulans strain TR, uncultured bacterial clone Hel3bc04 and Bacillus cereus strain UST2006‐BC004. The four strains isolated from mrigal were most closely related to Bacillus sp. KCd2, uncultured bacterial clone Hel3bd09, B. cereus strain BU040901‐020 and Citrobacter freundii strain YRL11, while the strain isolated from rohu probably belonged to Bacillus sp. GV.     

Quality Changes and Shelf Life of Cultured and Wild Hot-Smoked Mediterranean Horse Mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) at Refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) Conditions

ABSTRACT

Mariculturing of horse mackerel is not known in the world. Additionally, limited studies exist on quality changes of smoked horse mackerel at refrigerated temperatures. Therefore, in this study, between 1+ and 2-year-old wild and cultured horse mackerels were hot smoked and stored at refrigerated conditions. Chemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses were performed weekly to investigate quality changes and to determine the shelf stability of the products. The results of thiobarbituric acid, trimethylamine, and total bacteria counts were obtained within the acceptable levels. Although the counts of histamine-forming bacteria increased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage, histamine values were well below the permitted limits set by Food and Drug Administration and European Union (EU). Sensory results showed that both storage groups had 3 weeks of shelf life. Total volatile basic nitrogen values supported sensory results. Therefore, the results indicate that culturing of horse mackerel did not alter the quality during storage at 4 ± 1°C.     

Identification of genomic islands in Chilean Piscirickettsia salmonis strains and analysis of gene expression involved in virulence

Piscirickettsia salmonis, an agent of Piscirickettsiosis, is the cause of major losses in the Chilean salmon industry. We identified, characterized and bioinformatically analysed genomic islands in field strains of P. Salmonis, using the bioinformatic software PIPS, that uses the characteristics of the islands of pathogenicity to identify them. We analysed nine partially sequenced genomes in different new field strains, and compared them with the LF‐89 (Type strain) genome, selecting a genomic island present in all of them. We then evaluated the relative expression of three genes present in that island. From the obtained results, we conclude that the expression of the tcf gene is directly proportional to the cytopathogenicity in vitro of the bacteria; the product of the dnsa gene could contribute to its pathogenicity, but would be potentiated by one or more factors. The product of the gene liso is necessary for the virulence process and could have functions in early stages of infection. Regarding the strains, the IBM‐040 strain showed a significant increase in the expression of all the genes in the study. Contrarily, LF‐89 only presented a significant increase in expression of the gene liso, which correlates with the cytopathogenicity in vitro observed in the SHK‐1 cells.     

In vitro inhibition of epithelial cell invasion by Aeromonashydrophila Vibrio species by fish Aeromonas hydrophila major adhesin

A virulent strain of Aeromonas hydrophila (PPD 134/91) was obtained from the Primary Production Department, Singapore. Its major adhesin was isolated and purified by potassium thiocyanate extraction and Bio-Gel P-100 gel filtration. The ability of the protein in peak 1, termed major adhesin, to inhibit bacteria from adhering to and invading host cells was studied in vitro using epithelioma papillosum cells of carp (EPC). Results showed that a concentration of 10 μg ml^–1 of this major adhesin could competitively inhibit 28% of A. hydrophila PPD 134/91 from invading EPC cells in vitro. When the concentration was increased to 40 μg ml^–1, the major adhesin significantly cross-inhibited nine other virulent or weakly virulent strains of A. hydrophila. In addition, the major adhesin significantly inhibited not only another bacterial strain from the same family, Aeromonas sobria, but also strains of Vibrio spp. tested. Therefore, we suggest that the major adhesin of this virulent A. hydrophila strain has the potential to be used as a vaccine against the heterogeneous Aeromonas and Vibrio species.     

New Zealand rickettsia‐like organism (NZ‐RLO) and Tenacibaculum maritimum: Distribution and phylogeny in farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

A total of 777 fish from three growing regions of New Zealand Chinook salmon farms comprising of five sites were tested. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the distribution of New Zealand rickettsia‐like organism and Tenacibaculum maritimum. Genetic information from these bacteria were then compared with strains reported worldwide. Using this information, suggested associations of pathogens with clinically affected fish were made. NZ‐RLO was detected in two of the three regions, and T. maritimum was detected in all regions. Three strains of NZ‐RLO were identified during this study. Based on analysis of the ITS rRNA gene, NZ‐RLO1 appears to be part of an Australasian grouping sharing high similarity with the Tasmanian RLO, NZ‐RLO2 was shown to be the same as an Irish strain, and NZ‐RLO3 was shown be closely related to two strains from Chile. Based on multi‐locus sequence typing, the New Zealand T. maritimum was the same as Australian strains. NZ‐RLOs were detected more frequently in fish with skin ulcers than fish without skin ulcers. While additional research is required to investigate the pathogenicity of these organisms, this is the first time that NZ‐RLOs have been associated with the development of clinical infections in farmed Chinook salmon.     

Bacteria associated with early life stages of the great scallop, <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Pecten maximus</Emphasis>: impact on larval survival

A bacteriological study was carried out at a scallop (Pecten maximus) hatchery near Bergen, western Norway following a severe increase in mortality rates during the larval stages of the scallops. No larvae survived to settling, except for those in groups treated prophylactically with chloramphenicol. In order to identify pathogenic strains of bacteria, we performed a challenge test on 10- to 16-day-old larvae using isolated bacterial strains from the hatchery. Infection with six of these strains produced mortalities that were not statistically different from that resulting from infection with the known pathogen Vibrio pectenicida. However, about 5% of the strains tested in the challenge experiment produced higher motility rates than found in the unchallenged control group, indicating a possible probiotic effect. On the basis of 16S rDNA analysis on these strains, the phylogenetic tree indicated two groups of apparent pathogens: (1) one strain, LT13, grouped together with Alteromonas/Pseudoalteromonas; (2) a cluster of strains grouped together with Vibrio splendidus (LT06, LT21, LT73, PMV18 and PMV19). Strain LT13 was isolated from cultures of the microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans used for feed, while the other strains were isolated from larval cultures. Transmission electron microscopy showed intracellular bacteria that resembled bacteria in the groups Chlamydiaceae and Rickettsiaceae.     

Identification and characterization of pathogenic bacteria isolated from dead masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou masou and antibacterial activity of probiotic Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strain K-C2 against isolated pathogens

We focused on developing an epidemic prevention method for circulating masu salmon aquaculture using the probiotic Lactococcus lactis strain K-C2. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of strain K-C2 against pathogens isolated from dead Yamame and masu salmon. First, we identified pathogenic bacteria that were isolated from dead masu salmon based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and biological and biochemical characterization. The antibacterial activity of strain K-C2 against seven pathogenic strains isolated from dead masu salmon in this study and two strains of Aeromonas salmonicida previously isolated from dead Yamame was tested using a double agar plate method. The results of a BLAST search using 16S rRNA partial sequence data (1200–1300 bp) revealed that six of the former strains and one of the latter strains showed high similarity to Vibrio anguillarum and Tenacibaculum maritimum, respectively. Strain K-C2 showed antibacterial activity against all pathogenic bacteria. In this study, pathogenic bacteria were newly isolated from dead seawater-acclimated masu salmon, and strain K-C2 was found to have antibacterial effects against these pathogens.

     

半滑舌鳎溃疡病病原菌的分离、鉴定及其致病性分析

采用2216E和TCBS培养基分别从患溃疡病半滑舌鳎的肠道和体表病灶分离获得菌株40株,经血平板检验分离菌株的溶血活性,体外筛选并鉴定出3株潜在致病性菌株,即哈维氏弧菌、溶藻弧菌以及副溶血性弧菌。通过将3株潜在致病菌与健康半滑舌鳎的肠道上皮细胞共培养,检测病原菌刺激后半滑舌鳎肠道上皮细胞相关免疫基因的相对表达量及共培养后肠道上皮细胞的凋亡率,对病原菌的致病性进行细胞水平的筛选。结果显示,经哈维氏弧菌刺激后肠道上皮细胞白介素10基因(IL-10)表达量极显著上调,说明哈维氏弧菌引起的共培养上皮细胞免疫反应最为剧烈,且哈维氏弧菌与肠道上皮细胞共培养后导致细胞的凋亡率高达48.3%,其次为溶藻弧菌(36%)和副溶血性弧菌(34.5%),推测哈维氏弧菌为半滑舌鳎溃疡病高致病性弧菌。通过对半滑舌鳎进行浸浴回感实验,结果发现,哈维氏弧菌、溶藻弧菌和副溶血性弧菌人工回感后第6天半滑舌鳎的累计死亡率分别为100%、95%和75%,与细胞水平检测结果相吻合。实验表明,所筛选到的3株弧菌均具有较强的毒性和致病性,尤其以哈维氏弧菌致病性最强,并由此推测半滑舌鳎溃疡病可能由多种致病菌共同感染所致。     

西伯利亚鲟海豚链球菌的分离鉴定及毒力基因检测

2013年8-9月,四川雅安汉源湖养殖的西伯利亚鲟发生一种以体表溃疡、内脏出血和心外膜囊肿为特征的传染病.为明确其病因,本研究从自然发病鱼的肝、脾和肾进行了病原菌的分离、人工感染、分离菌的表型特征和分子生物学特征的检测.结果从患病鱼体内分离到一株G+链状球菌(Ab130920),人工感染实验证实了其病原性,生理生化特性与海豚链球菌(ATCC29178)基本一致;16S rDNA序列(GenBank登录号:KJ162337)与GenBank中S.iniae 16S rDNA序列同源性最高,在以16S rDNA序列及其GenBank中同源性较高的相关序列构建的系统发育树上,分离菌与海豚链球菌聚为一支;同时,在基于S.iniae lctO基因的特异性PCR检测中,从分离株基因组DNA扩增出预期大小的870 bp条带,进而鉴定分离菌Ab130920为S.iniae.在对cpsD、simA、sagA、pdi和scpI等5种S.iniae毒力基因的多重PCR检测中,分离菌均扩增出相应大小的特异性片段,表明其为一毒力较强的菌株,与人工感染实验的高致病性结果相佐证;药物敏感性检测发现其对阿莫西林、强力霉素、氟苯尼考等抗菌药物敏感,但对新生霉素、利福平、氧氟沙星耐药.     

Capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae is an essential virulence factor for infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.)

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is associated with diverse diseases in aquatic animals. The capsule polysaccharide (CPS) encoded by the cps gene cluster is the major virulence factor of S. agalactiae; however, limited information is available regarding the pathogenic role of the CPS of serotype Ia piscine GBS strains in fish. Here, a non‐encapsulated mutant (Δcps) was constructed by insertional mutagenesis of the cps gene cluster. Mutant pathogenicity was evaluated in vitro based on the killing of whole blood from tilapia, in vivo infections, measuring mutant survival in tilapia spleen tissues and pathological analysis. Compared to wild‐type (WT) GBS strain, the Δcps mutant had lower resistance to fresh tilapia whole blood in vitro (p < 0.01), and more easily cleared in tilapia spleen tissue, and was highly attenuated in tilapia and zebrafish. Additionally, compared to the Δcps mutant, numerous GBS strains and severe tissue necrosis were observed in the tilapia spleen tissue infected with WT strains. These results indicated that the CPS is essential for GBS pathogenicity and may serve as a target for attenuation in vaccine development. Gaining a better understanding of the role, the GBS pathogenicity in fish will provide insight into related pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions.