Comparing the different morphotypes of a fish pathogen--implications for key virulence factors in Flavobacterium columnare.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Flavobacterium columnare (Bacteroidetes) is the causative agent of columnaris disease in farmed freshwater fish around the world. The bacterium forms three colony morphotypes (Rhizoid, Rough and Soft), but the differences of the morphotypes are poorly known. We studied the virulence of the morphotypes produced by F. columnare strain B067 in rainbow trout (Onconrhynchus mykiss) and used high-resolution scanning electron microscopy to identify the fine structures of the cells grown in liquid and on agar. We also analysed the proteins secreted extracellularly and in membrane vesicles to identify possible virulence factors.

Results

Only the Rhizoid morphotype was virulent in rainbow trout. Under electron microscopy, the cells of Rhizoid and Soft morphotypes were obser

SUBMITTER: Laanto E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4094633 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature