First description of ‘Chalky back’ phenomenon in banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) and its possible association with Vibrio and Photobacterium species

Eva Hatje; Giusi Minniti; Michael J Stewart; Christina Neuman; Wayne R Knibb; Mohammad Katouli

doi:10.1093/femsle/fnw019

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First description of ‘Chalky back’ phenomenon in banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) and its possible association with Vibrio and Photobacterium species

Eva Hatje, Giusi Minniti, Michael J Stewart, Christina Neuman, Wayne R Knibb and Mohammad Katouli

FEMS Microbiology Letters, Vol.363(4), pp.1-8

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnw019

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Abstract

Vibrio spp.

Photobacterium spp.

prawns

Chalky back

virulence

Here we report a newly identified 'Chalky back' phenomenon in banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) farmed in North Queensland, Australia. This was characterized by localized white discoloured segmentation of the cervical groove, moreover, after cooking the prawns exploded, making them unfit for commercial sale. Histological examination revealed breakdown of gut and abdominal muscle tissue in some moribund specimens. We selectively isolated Vibrio spp., which are known prawn pathogens, from healthy and Chalky back specimens. Isolated bacteria were identified, typed and tested for the presence of eight virulence genes (VGs), biofilm formation, adherence and cytotoxicity to fish cells. In all, 32 isolates were recovered and identified as Vibrio harveyi, V. owensii, V. sinaloensis-like, V. campbellii, V. shilonii, Vibrio sp. and Photobacterium damselae using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All V. harveyi carried VGs coding for haemolysin, toxR and flagella; formed biofilm; and adhered to both cell lines. This was similar to the V. sinaloensis-like strains that were only isolated from Chalky back specimens. Our data suggest that Vibrio spp. may play a role in the pathogenesis of Chalky back. This study is the first report of Chalky back phenomenon in farmed banana prawns that needs to be closely monitored by the industry.

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Title: First description of ‘Chalky back’ phenomenon in banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) and its possible association with Vibrio and Photobacterium species
Authors: Eva Hatje (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Giusi Minniti (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Michael J Stewart (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Christina Neuman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Wayne R Knibb (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Mohammad Katouli (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: FEMS Microbiology Letters, Vol.363(4), pp.1-8
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw019
ISSN: 0378-1097
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449111602621
Output Type: Journal article

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