Human Pathogen Causes Disease in Coral
Author Information
Author(s): Sutherland Kathryn Patterson, Shaban Sameera, Joyner Jessica L., Porter James W., Lipp Erin K.
Primary Institution: Rollins College
Hypothesis
Strain PDR60 isolated from two distinct environments, one terrestrial (human wastewater) and one marine (APS-affected A. palmata), causes APS in A. palmata.
Conclusion
The study confirms that the human pathogen Serratia marcescens strain PDR60 can cause disease in the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, and identifies humans as a source of this marine disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Strain PDR60 from wastewater and diseased A. palmata caused disease signs in elkhorn coral in as little as four and five days, respectively.
- The study provides the first example of a marine 'reverse zoonosis' involving the transmission of a human pathogen to a marine invertebrate.
- Results suggest that non-host corals and predatory snails may function as reservoirs or vectors of the APS pathogen.
Takeaway
This study shows that a germ from humans can make corals sick, which is bad for the coral reefs.
Methodology
Challenge experiments were conducted with Acropora palmata fragments maintained in closed aquaria to determine the infectivity of Serratia marcescens strain PDR60 from reef and wastewater sources.
Limitations
The study was limited to three replicate A. palmata fragments in a single aquarium for each treatment and control.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website