Infectious diseases caused by marine bacterial pathogens are increasingly causing economic losses to fisheries and aquaculture, while posing increasing risks to public health and the protection of affected species. Four wild marine fish species were collected from five fishing grounds and analyzed for listnera in two regions: northern (Acre, Haifa and Shefaim) and central and southern (Tel Aviv and Ashdod). Initial screening was performed using PCR analysis with specially designed primers on DNA extracted from liver and kidney. For P. damselae-positive specimens, 16S rRNA amplicons were sequenced. An attempt was then made to determine related subspecies using a three-step genetic screen auto, ureC and toxR 20 of which were classified as P. damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp), two as P; Damsel subspecies. (Phdd) and 25 could not be assigned to any subspecies. Our results reinforce the idea that fish living in contaminated environments are susceptible to pathogenic microbes. To assess how pathogen presence affects population management and conservation, this study should be followed by studies aimed at: Establish a standardized contamination index as a basis for (i) quantifying the levels of contaminants that can affect pathogen outbreaks and (ii) establishing criteria upon which authorities will take preventive action.
KeywordsWild fish pathogens; Listonella; Diseases; Mediterranean sea
Published Date: 2023-03-31; Received Date: 2023-03-02
