Examination of microbiota associated with external lesions on native and endangered fishes of the San Juan River, NM and UT

Authors: Diver, Tracy, Wilson, Wade, Schleicher, Benjamin

Year: 2016 (xlviii)

Abstract

Relatively little is known about how the severity and duration of pathogenic outbreaks affect fish populations; yet, health can often be directly linked to and dependent on the integrity of ecosystems. Recent field surveys have identified the occurrence of le sions on non-native, native, and endangered fishes in the San Juan River, NM and UT. Severity of lesions range from minor, irritant -like abrasions to gaping infected wounds. Infections appear to be pathogenic in origin; however, it is difficult to determine without further examination. We conducted a pilot study to examine the microbiota associated with fish exhibiting lesions. Bacterial swab s were collected in the field and then cultured in vitro. Isolated colonies were extracted and then sequenced using universal bacterial primers. Sequence data was compared to files accessioned to the National Center for Biotechnology Information to examine potential candidates causing pathogenicity.