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A Novel Investigation of a Blister-Like Syndrome in Aquarium Echinopora lamellosa

Lookup NU author(s): David Smith, Dr Peter Leary, Mark Bendall, Dr Michael Sweet

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Abstract

This study investigates potential causes of a novel blister-like syndrome in the plating coral Echinopora lamellosa. Visual inspections of this novel coral syndrome showed no obvious signs of macroparasites and the blisters themselves manifested as fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the coral, which rose from the coenosarc between the coral polyps. Histological analysis of the blisters showed that there was no associated necrosis with the epidermal or gastrodermal tissues. The only difference between blistered areas and apparently healthy tissues was the presence of proliferated growth (possible mucosal cell hyperplasia) directly at the blister interface (area between where the edge of the blister joined apparently healthy tissue). No bacterial aggregates were identified in any histological samples, nor any sign of tissue necrosis identified. We conclude, that the blister formations are not apparently caused by a specific microbial infection, but instead may be the result of irritation following growth anomalies of the epidermis. However, future work should be conducted to search for other potential casual agents, including viruses.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Smith D, Leary P, Bendall M, Flach E, Jones R, Sweet M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: PLoS ONE

Year: 2014

Volume: 9

Issue: 5

Online publication date: 14/05/2014

Acceptance date: 14/04/2014

Date deposited: 22/08/2014

ISSN (electronic): 1932-6203

Publisher: Public Library of Science

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0097018

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097018

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