Scrutinizing the triad of Vibrio tapetis , the skin barrier and pigmentation as determining factors in the development of skin ulcerations in wild common dab ( Limanda limanda )

AbstractRecently,Vibrio tapetis was isolated for the first time from skin ulcerations in wild-caught common dab (Limanda limanda). To further examine its role in the development of these skin lesions, an in vivo experiment was performed. The significance of the skin barrier and in addition the difference between pigmented and non-pigmented side were investigated. Hence, the skin of common dab was treated in three different ways on both the pigmented and non-pigmented side. On a first “treatment zone”, the scales and overlying epidermal tissue were removed whereas in a second zone only the mucus was discarded. The third zone served as a non-treated zone. Thereafter, fish were challenged withV. tapetis. The control group was sham treated. Mortality, clinical signs, severity and size of the developing lesions were recorded. All animals were sacrificed and sampled 21  days post-inoculation. Significantly more fish of the group challenged withV. tapetis died compared to the control group with the highest incidence occurring 4  days post-inoculation. Fish challenged withV. tapetis developed more severe skin ulcerations. In zones where scales and epidermal tissue were removed, the ulcerations were more severe compared to zones where only mucus was eliminated. Ulcerations occurred more frequently, were more severe and larger on the pigmented side. Our data represents prove ofV. tapetis as causative agent of ulcerative skin lesions although prior damage of the skin seems to be a...
Source: Veterinary Research - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research