Observation of Vibrio mediterranei (Pujalte and Garay 1986) / Vibrio shiloi (Kushmaro et al. 2001) bacteria from skin ulcers of the cultured sea cucumber Holothuria poli (Delle Chiaje, 1823)

Abstract

Skin ulcer syndrome is frequently reported as a serious disease affecting the health, growth and mortality of stocks in sea cucumber aquaculture. In this study, bacteria isolated predominantly from skin ulcers of sea cucumber Holothuria poli (Delle Chiaje, 1823), a new candidate for aquaculture in the Mediterranean, were investigated. Morphological and biochemical tests, and molecular analysis methods were used to examine the dominant bacteria in the lesions of H. poli showing skin ulceration, peristome tumour and visceral ejection symptoms in rearing tanks. Present study is the first report for isolation and identification of Vibrio mediterranei (Pujalte and Garay 1986) (called also Vibrio shiloi Kushmaro et al. 2001) as a predominant gram-negative bacterium in the skin ulcers of H. poli. Reference data provided from the present study would lead to understand possible major pathogens causing skin ulceration syndrome and is crucial for the prophylaxis and treatment of such disease in holothuriculture.