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Transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum in laboratory zebrafish through live feeds
Author(s) -
Chang Carolyn T.,
Benedict Samuel,
Whipps Christopher M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of fish diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1365-2761
pISSN - 0140-7775
DOI - 10.1111/jfd.13071
Subject(s) - mycobacterium chelonae , mycobacterium marinum , biology , zebrafish , biosecurity , mycobacterium , aquaculture , transmission (telecommunications) , danio , xiphophorus , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , ecology , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , gene , electrical engineering , engineering
The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is a popular vertebrate model organism used in a wide range of research fields. Mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium species, is particularly concerning because it is a common disease associated with chronic infections in these fish. Infections are also a source of uncontrolled experimental variance that may influence research results. Live feeds for zebrafish are common and include paramecia ( Paramecium caudatum ), brine shrimp ( Artemia franciscana ) and rotifers ( Branchionus spp.). Although nutritionally beneficial, live feeds may pose a biosecurity risk. In this study, we investigate transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum through these three live feeds. We show that all three live feeds ingest both M. marinum and M. chelonae and can transmit mycobacterial infections to zebrafish. This observation emphasizes the need for live feeds to be included in the consideration of potential biosecurity risks. This study is of importance to other beyond the zebrafish community, including those of additional aquatic models and those using live feeds for other types of aquaculture.