Bryozoans as hosts for Tetracapsula bryosalmonae, the PKX organism

Freshwater bryozoans have recently been identified as hosts of Tetracapsula bryosalmonae , the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD). To gain insight as to which bryozoans are consistently important hosts for T. bryosalmonae , we present the results of a broad scale survey of bryozoans in European and North American sites upstream from PKD outbreaks in feral, stocked and farmed salmonids. The bryozoan genera most commonly found in association with disease outbreaks are Fredericella and Plumatella , and the most common species are F. sultana (Blumenbach), F. indica Annandale, and P. emarginata Allman. The prevalence of mature sac stages of T. bryosalmonae was very low. Our survey data together with knowledge of bryozoan life cycles and the ecology of PKD allow inferences concerning unknown aspects of the life cycle of T. bryosalmonae .     

Development of improved PCR to prevent false positives and false negatives in the detection of Tetracapsula bryosalmonae, the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is an economically significant disease caused by the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsula bryosalmonae. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols using primers specific for the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA) gene of the parasite enable detection, however, false positive and negative results can render detection inconclusive. In this study a decontamination protocol was developed, using hydroxylamine hydrochloride (H), to prevent false positives by blocking re‐amplification of carry‐over contaminants. A mimic molecule was also developed and used as a competitive internal standard coamplified with target DNA in PCRs, revealing both true and false negatives. The sensitivity of one new and two existing primer sets was assessed with all primers detecting DNA equivalent to at least eight parasite cells per gram of tissue. This improved PCR protocol canprovide more reliable testing for T. bryosalmonae.     

Development of proliferative kidney disease in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), following short-term exposure to Tetracapsula bryosalmonae infected bryozoans

The initial site of infection in the fish host for Tetracapsula bryosalmonae , causative agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is poorly understood. Following the recent recognition that freshwater bryozoans harbour the infective stages to salmonid fish, experimental transmission studies were undertaken to investigate (1) the route of entry of the parasite into the fish host and (2) the minimum exposure time required to induce clinical signs of PKD. In-situ hybridization (ISH) studies were carried out on naïve rainbow trout exposed to the naturally infected bryozoan Fredericella sultana for up to 90 min. The sporoplasm of T. bryosalmonae was detected entering the fish via mucous cells in the skin epithelium within the first minute of exposure. In addition, T. bryosalmonae cells were infrequently detected in the skeletal musculature of exposed experimental fish up to 72 h post-exposure. The route of migration through the fish to the kidney and spleen was not determined. All fish exposed to infected, disrupted bryozoans for 10, 30 and 90 min and maintained for up to 8 weeks developed clinical PKD.     

The occurrence of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in cultured and wild fish: further investigations

Abstract. In an investigation of the occurrence of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in freshwater fish other than rainbow trout, 18 species of wild fish and seven species of fish raised in cultivation wore sampled from waters where the disease occurred annually in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Richardson). Results revealed that certain wild stocks of brown trout. Salmo trutta L., grayling, Thymallus thymallus L., and pike, Esox lucius L., were infected with PKD, as were cultivated Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr, brown trout and char, Salvelinus alpinus (L.). Microscopical examination revealed the presence of the PKX cell in these species and also intraluminal protozoa possibly related to the PKX cell, which were not found in the rainbow trout. Other species of freshwater fish had myxosporidan infections but, unlike PKD infection, there was little host/parasite tissue response. The PKX cell as a myxosporidan stage is discussed and the presence of the disease in wild fish is reported.     

Development of monoclonal antibodies to PK'X', the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease

Abstract. Two monoclonal antibody probes were produced against PK'X' cells. The parasites were partially purified by filtration and centrifugation of kidney tissue from rainbow trout with proliferative kidney disease and used as antigen for immunization of mice. The resulting monoclonal antibodies reacted with PK'X' cell antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry tests. One antibody (Mab 12) appeared to be specific for PK'X'in kidney tissue, while the other (Mab 18) cross-reacted with host cell antigens in the kidney tubules. These probes are invaluable tools for the investigation of parasite surface antigens and life cycle studies.     

Physicochemical responses of Pythium porphyrae (Oomycota), the causative organism of red rot disease in Porphyra to acidification

Physicochemical responses to acidification in Pythium porphyrae , the causative organism of red rot disease in Porphyra , were investigated. The acid tolerance of P. porphyrae mycelia under pH 4 (acidic condition) condition increased significantly compared with that of the mycelia under pH 8 (condition equivalent to seawater) condition. Free amino acid levels in the mycelia decreased 1.3–8.8-fold under pH 4 condition. However, some free amino acids such as the d -cysteinolic acid-like component, phosphoethanolamine, glutamic acid, aminoadipic acid and methionine increased 2.6–21.7-fold under the same condition. Proton flux on the mycelia exposed to pH 8 increased significantly compared with the mycelia exposed to pH 4. The patterns of proteins present (examined by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) differed among the pH conditions. These results suggest that P. porphyrae acquires acid tolerance and is able to adapt to the changing pH conditions. This has significant implications for the use of acidic fungicide treatment for prevention of red rot disease on Porphyra farms.     

Immunohistochemical and Taqman real-time PCR detection of mycobacterial infections in fish

Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were developed to detect fish mycobacterial infections at the genus level, based on the RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB) gene and polyclonal anti‐Mycobacterium rabbit serum, respectively. The PCR assay positively identified a number of pathogenic mycobacteria including Mycobacterium abscessus, M. avium ssp. avium, M. bohemicum, M. chelonae ssp. chelonae, M. farcinogenes, M. flavescens, M. fortuitum ssp. fortuitum, M. gastri, M. gordonae, M. immunogenicum, M. malmoense, M. marinum, M. montefiorense, M. phlei, M. phocaicum, M. pseudoshottsii, M. salmoniphilum, M. senegalense, M. shottsii, M. smegmatis, M. szulgi and M. wolinskyi. A detection limit equivalent to 10² cfu g^?1 was registered for M. salmoniphilum‐infected fish tissue. The IHC precisely localized both free and intracellular mycobacteria in tissues and detected mycobacterial infections down to 10² cfu g^?1 tissue. Both assays were found to be more sensitive than Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, where the detection limit was below 8 × 10³ cfu g^?1 tissue. Although specificity testing of the real‐time PCR against a panel of non‐Mycobacterium spp. revealed a degree of cross‐reaction against pure DNA extracted from Nocardia seriolae and Rhodococcus erythropolis, no cross‐reactions were identified (by either real‐time PCR or IHC) on testing of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues confirmed to be infected with these bacteria. The broad applicability of both assays was confirmed by analysis of FFPE tissues from a range of fish species infected with diverse Mycobacterium spp. The results indicate that both assays, alone or in combination, constitute sensitive tools for initial, rapid diagnosis of mycobacteriosis in fish. This should in turn allow rapid application of more specific studies, i.e. culture based, to identify the specific Mycobacterium sp. involved.     

Influence of water quality on the outbreak of proliferative kidney disease – field studies and exposure experiments

This paper presents data from field studies and exposure experiments and the possible association of limno- and physicochemical parameters with outbreaks of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in rainbow and brown trout. The investigations were carried out at Singold Brook in southern Germany. Exposure experiments and sampling of wild fish were performed in Singold at least twice a year in 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2000. Both wild fish collected from the specific sites and experimentally exposed rainbow trout were investigated histologically for the occurrence of PKD. At the time of sampling, various water parameters at the respective river sites were measured. The results indicate strongly the existence of a correlation between organic pollution of water, the presence of Bryozoa and the outbreak of PKD.     

Characterization of glycans in the developmental stages of Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa), the causative agent of whirling disease

Glycans and sugar-binding molecules (lectins) form an interactive recognition system, which may enable parasitic organisms to adhere to host cells and migrate into target tissues. The aim of the present study was to analyse surface-associated glycans in the developmental stages of Myxobolus cerebralis (Hofer), the causative agent of whirling disease. A panel of biotin-labelled plant lectins was used to detect a broad spectrum of glycan motifs with high specificity. Binding sites were detected histochemically in the tissue sections of infected rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and infected Tubifex tubifex (Müller), and were characterized by light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. With mannose-specific lectins [Lens culinaris agglutinin, Pisum sativum agglutinin, Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin (LCA, PSA, CanA)] mannose-containing glycans were detected in all the developmental stages and host tissues. No binding sites for galactose-specific lectins were present in M. cerebralis spores but reactivity with host tissues occurred. Diversity in glycans was detected by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectins in sporoplasm cells of M. cerebralis and triactinomyxon spores. In the group of lectins with monosaccharide-specificity for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), the reactivity of Datura stramonium agglutinin (DSA), Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (LEA) and Solanum tuberosum agglutinin (STA) was restricted to polar capsules whereas Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA II) also bound to sporoplasm cells of stages in the fish host but not in those present in infected T. tubifex. Moreover, Triticum vulgaris (wheat germ) agglutinin (WGA) and succinylated WGA indicated the presence of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine polymers in polar capsules. No specificity for spores was observed concerning 'bisected'N-glycans and no reactivity in parasitic stages was observed with the fucose-binding lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) I, Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) (specific for alpha2,6-sialylated glycans) and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAAI) (specific for alpha2,3-sialylated glycans). Arachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin (PNA), Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA), GSA I, Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and GSA II detected reactive sites solely confined to the developmental stages of M. cerebralis and were not reactive in the fish host. These parasite-specific glycans may play a role in the adhesion process of the parasite to fish epidermis prior to infection, but may provide protection to the host by activating the complement system, or stimulating an adaptive immune response as putative antigens.     

采用通用引物PCR配合SSCP和RFLP技术检测鱼病病原菌

采用通用引物PCR（UPPCR）、PCR－RFLP、PCR－SSCP技术,研究快速鉴别鱼病病原菌的分子生物学诊断技术。结果发现,采用细菌16S rRNA基因保守区特异性引物,以嗜水气单胞菌、鲁克氏耶尔森菌、鳗弧菌、柱状曲挠杆菌、乙型链球菌、荧光假单胞菌等部分常见鱼病病原菌为对象,可以建立一种UPPCR技术。该技术能在保证实验条件不变的基础上,检出上述所有细菌,并还可检出大肠杆菌和双歧杆菌等非鱼病病原菌。并且认为,该法与SSCP配合即采用UPPCR－SSCP技术能较好地鉴别被检菌而用于鱼病病原菌的快速诊断。     

Immunohistochemical characterization of polyclonal antibodies against Enteromyxum leei and Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), intestinal parasites of fish

The enteric myxozoan parasites Enteromyxum leei (Diamant, Lom et Dyková) and Enteromyxum scophthalmi Palenzuela, Redondo et Álvarez‐Pellitero are responsible for high weight loss in infected fish, which leads to subchronic disease and low mortality rates in gilthead sea bream (GSB), Sparus aurata L., and to high mortality rates in turbot, Psetta maxima (L.). The detection of initial parasite stages in histological sections is particularly difficult, but can be simplified by means of specific antibodies. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) were raised against E. scophthalmi and E. leei, and direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize their sensitivity and specificity. Both pAbs were adsorbed (apAb) with non‐infected intestines to avoid non‐specific labelling of fish tissues and to improve their specificity. The highest titre obtained in ELISA was 1: 32 000 for apAb‐Eleei and 1:16 000 for apAb‐Escoph. Working dilutions in immunohistochemistry were 1:1000 for apAb‐Eleei and 1:8000 for apAb‐Escoph. Both apAbs labelled proliferative and sporogonic stages with high specificity. apAb‐Escoph was very specific, whereas apAb‐Eleei cross‐reacted with Sphaerospora dicentrarchi Sitjà‐Bobadilla et Álvarez‐Pellitero and Sphaerospora testicularis Sitjà‐Bobadilla et Álvarez‐Pellitero, suggesting the presence of shared antigens. These pAbs stand as new tools for antigenic characterization and the diagnosis of both Enteromyxum species.     

巢式PCR检测鳜传染性脾肾坏死病毒(ISKNV)

鳜(Siniperca chuatsi)传染性脾肾坏死病毒(infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus,ISKNV)是鳜暴发性传染病的主要病原,给鳜养殖业造成了严重的经济损失,因此快速、灵敏的检测方法对鳜养殖业的发展具有非常重要的意义.根据鳜ISKNV主要衣壳蛋白(MCP)基因序列设计了2对引物,利用巢式PCR方法对病鱼脾肾组织进行扩增,建立了ISKNV快速特异的巢式PCR检测方法.应用该方法对含MCP基因的质粒进行倍比稀释后检测扩增的灵敏度可达到5 fg;巢式PCR检测的灵敏度是一步法PCR的104倍以上.