Characteristics and pathogenicity of Vibrio alginolyticus SWS causing high mortality in mud crab (Scylla serrata) aquaculture in Hong Kong

Carsten Tsun Ka Kwok, Ray Chun Wai Yu, Pak Ting Hau, Karry Yuen Ching Cheung, Iain Chi Fung Ng, Joshua Fung, Ivan Tak Fai Wong, Miranda Chong Yee Yau, Wai Man Liu, Hang Kin Kong, Gilman Kit Hang Siu, Franklin Wang Ngai Chow, Sai Wang Seto

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    Abstract

    Introduction: Vibrio alginolyticus is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the family of Vibrionaceae, a common pathogen in aquaculture animals, However, studies on its impact on Scylla serrata (mud crabs) are limited. In this study, we isolated V. alginolyticus SWS from dead mud crab during a disease outbreak in a Hong Kong aquaculture farm, which caused up to 70% mortality during summer. 

    Methods: Experimental infection and histopathology were used to investigate the pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus SWS in S. serrata and validate Koch’s postulates. Comprehensive whole-genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biochemical characterization were also performed. 

    Results: Our findings showed that V. alginolyticus SWS caused high mortality (75%) in S. serrata with infected individuals exhibiting inactivity, loss of appetite, decolored and darkened hepatopancreas, gills, and opaque muscle in the claw. Histopathological analysis revealed tissue damage and degeneration in the hepatopancreas, gills, and claw muscle suggesting direct and indirect impacts of V. alginolyticus SWS infection. 

    Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of V. alginolyticus SWS as an emerging pathogen in S. serrata aquaculture. Our findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance, early detection, and the development of targeted disease management strategies to mitigate the economic impact of vibriosis outbreaks in mud crab aquaculture.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1425104
    Number of pages17
    JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    Volume14
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2024

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    Copyright © 2024 Kwok, Yu, Hau, Cheung, Ng, Fung, Wong, Yau, Liu, Kong, Siu, Chow and Seto.

    Keywords

    • aquaculture
    • disease
    • histopathology
    • infection
    • mud crab
    • pathogen
    • Scylla serrata
    • Vibrio alginolyticus

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