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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Published on: October 31, 2019

Algae as reservoirs for coral pathogens.

Michael J Sweet¹, John C Bythell, Maggy M Nugues

¹School of Biology, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. m.j.sweet@ncl.ac.uk

|August 13, 2013

Summary

Benthic algae can host coral pathogens, but they likely don't cause disease alone. Coral stress or damage is probably needed for pathogen transmission from algae to corals.

Area of Science:

Marine Biology
Microbiology
Coral Reef Ecology

Background:

Benthic algae are linked to coral disease, potentially by releasing exudates that allow pathogens to infect corals.
The origin of these coral pathogens remains unclear, prompting investigation into algae as potential reservoirs.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if benthic algae serve as reservoirs for coral pathogens.
To compare microbes on algae with pathogens causing White Syndrome (WS) and Yellow Band Disease (YBD).

Main Methods:

Characterized microbes on major Caribbean and Indo-Pacific algal species.
Compared algal microbes to pathogens found in WS and YBD coral lesions.
Defined potential pathogens based on their abundance in healthy vs. diseased coral tissues.

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Main Results:

Potentially pathogenic bacteria were found on most surveyed algae (54% for WS, 100% for YBD).
Pathogenic ciliates, linked to WS, were present on 36% of Indo-Pacific algae.
Algal and coral microbial communities differed significantly, suggesting distinct associations.

Conclusions:

Benthic algae are common reservoirs for various potential coral pathogens.
Algal pathogens alone are unlikely to cause coral death; prior coral stress is likely necessary for transmission.
Algae may play a role in coral disease dynamics, but not as a sole cause.