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Molecular and phenotypic features of aeromonads isolated from snails (Helix aspersa) affected with a new summer
1Laboratoire de Microbiologie et d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
Abstract:
Forty-four aeromonads were isolated during the summer of 1994 from snails (Helix aspersa) affected or not by a newly described disease. Snta 1 rRNA gene restriction patterns (ribotyping) and nine selected conventional phenotypic tests were performed to retrospectively determine relationships among these isolates regarding the disease. Results from ribotyping were found highly discriminant in strain differentiation and suggest the possible existence of a group of Aeromonas associated with the disease. Biochemical and molecular characterizations indicated that most of these disease-associated aeromonads could belong to the phenospecies A. hydrophila. Phenospecies of aeromonads from healthy snails were distinct from those isolated from diseased snails and could be identified as A. caviae or remained undetermined. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a probable pathogenic aeromonad found in snails, extending the host-pathogen spectrum of Aeromonas.
Insights
This study investigated Aeromonas bacteria in snails (Helix aspersa), finding a distinct group potentially linked to a new disease. This research identifies Aeromonas hydrophila as a probable pathogen in snails, expanding its known host range.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Aeromonas species are known aquatic bacteria with diverse pathogenic potentials.
- Snails, specifically Helix aspersa, can harbor various microorganisms.
- A newly described disease affecting snails prompted an investigation into potential microbial causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Aeromonas isolates from diseased and healthy snails.
- To determine if specific Aeromonas strains are associated with the newly described snail disease.
- To explore the potential of Aeromonas as a snail pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culturing of Aeromonas from snail samples.
- Ribotyping (Snta 1 rRNA gene restriction patterns) for strain differentiation.
- Conventional phenotypic tests for biochemical characterization.
Main Results:
- Forty-four Aeromonas isolates were obtained from Helix aspersa snails.
- Ribotyping revealed distinct Aeromonas groups associated with diseased snails.
- Disease-associated isolates were predominantly identified as Aeromonas hydrophila, while those from healthy snails were Aeromonas caviae or undetermined.
- This is the first report suggesting Aeromonas as a probable pathogen in snails.
Conclusions:
- A specific group of Aeromonas, likely Aeromonas hydrophila, is potentially pathogenic to Helix aspersa snails.
- The findings suggest Aeromonas can be a significant factor in snail health and disease.
- This study expands the known host-pathogen interactions for Aeromonas species.