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Microplastics as a vector for the transport of the bacterial fish pathogen species Aeromonas salmonicida
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Researchers analyzed bacterial communities living on microplastics collected from the North Adriatic Sea surface and identified 28 bacterial species, including the fish pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida. They also found hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria colonizing the plastic surfaces. The study provides evidence that microplastics can serve as vectors for transporting pathogenic bacteria through marine environments, potentially spreading disease to fish populations.
Microplastics is widespread in the marine environment where it can cause numerous negative effects. It can provide space for the growth of organisms and serves as a vector for the long distance transfer of marine microorganisms. In this study, we examined the sea surface concentrations of microplastics in the North Adriatic and characterized bacterial communities living on the microplastics. DNA from microplastics particles was isolated by three different methods, followed by PCR amplification of 16S rDNA, clone libraries preparation and phylogenetic analysis. 28 bacterial species were identified on the microplastics particles including Aeromonas spp. and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial species. Based on the 16S rDNA sequences the pathogenic fish bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida was identified for the first time on microplastics. Because A. salmonicida is responsible for illnesses in fish, it is crucial to get answers if and how microplastics pollution is responsible for spreading of diseases.
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Researchers investigated whether ingested microplastics act as vectors for pathogenic microorganisms by exposing wild fish to 4 mm nylon strips and analysing bacterial communities on strips retrieved after excretion. They found that both ingested strips and water-submerged controls harboured large numbers of pathogens including known pathogenic strains, demonstrating that nylon microplastics can transport and potentially amplify microbial communities including pathogens within fish digestive systems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.