Cryptic lineages in the Wolf Cardinalfish living in sympatry on remote coral atolls.

Coral reef health and biodiversity is under threat worldwide due to rapid climate change. However, much of the inter- and intra-specific diversity of coral reefs are undescribed even in well studied taxa such as fish. Delimiting previously unrecognised diversity is important for understanding the processes that generate and sustain biodiversity in coral reef ecosystems and informing strategies for their conservation and management. Many taxa that inhabit geographically isolated coral reefs rely on self-recruitment for population persistence, providing the opportunity for the evolution of unique genetic lineages through divergent selection and reproductive isolation. Many such lineages in corals and fish are morphologically similar or indistinguishable. Here, we report the discovery and characterisation of cryptic lineages of the Wolf Cardinalfish, Cheilodipterus artus, from the coral atolls of northwest Australia using multiple molecular markers from mitochondrial (CO1 and D-loop) and nuclear (microsatellites) DNA. Concordant results from all markers identified two highly divergent lineages that are morphologically cryptic and reproductively isolated. These lineages co-occurred at daytime resting sites, but the relative abundance of each lineage was strongly correlated with wave exposure. It appears, therefore, that fish from each lineage are better adapted to different microhabitats. Such cryptic and ecologically based diversity appears to be common in these atolls and may well aid resilience of these systems. Our results also highlight that underwater surveys based on visual identification clearly underestimate biodiversity, and that a taxonomic revision of the Cheilodipterus genus is necessary.

Selection for upper thermal tolerance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum).

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) in southern Western Australia have undergone passive selection for over 19 generations to survive high water temperatures. Based on the conceptual model of 'oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance', we measured critical thermal maximum (CTmax), maximum heart rate (fH,max) and aerobic scope to test the hypothesis that these rainbow trout can maintain aerobic scope at high temperatures through a robust cardiac performance supporting oxygen delivery. Across five family groups CTmax averaged 29.0±0.02°C. Aerobic scope was maximized at 15.8±0.3°C (Topt), while the upper pejus temperature (Tpej, set at 90% of maximum aerobic scope) was 19.9±0.3°C. Although aerobic scope decreased at temperatures above Topt, the value at 25°C remained well over 40% of the maximum. Furthermore, pharmacologically stimulated fH,max increased with temperature, reaching a peak value between 23.5±0.4 and 24.0±0.4°C (Tmax) for three family groups. The Arrhenius breakpoint temperature (TAB) for fH,max was 20.3±0.3 to 20.7±0.4°C, while the average Q10 breakpoint temperature (TQB, when the incremental Q10<1.6) for fH,max was 21.6±0.2 to 22.0±0.4°C. Collectively, fH,max progressively became less temperature dependent beyond 20°C (TAB and TQB), which coincides with the upper Tpej for aerobic scope. Although upper thermal performance indices for both aerobic scope and fH,max were compared among family groups in this population, appreciable differences were not evident. Compared with other populations of rainbow trout, the present assessment is consistent with the prediction that this strain has undergone selection and shows the ability to tolerate higher water temperatures.

Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat genotyping of Renibacterium salmoninarum, a bacterium causing bacterial kidney disease in salmonid fish.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial kidney disease (BKD), caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum, is a bacterial disease of fish, which is both geographically widespread and difficult to control. Previously, application of various molecular typing methods has failed to reliably discriminate between R. salmoninarum isolates originating from different host species and geographic areas. The current study aimed to utilize multilocus variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) to investigate inter-strain variation of R. salmoninarum to establish whether host-specific populations exist in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout respectively. Such information would be valuable in risk assessment of transmission of R. salmoninarum in a multispecies aquaculture environment. RESULTS: The present analysis utilizing sixteen VNTRs distinguished 17 different haplotypes amongst 41 R. salmoninarum isolates originating from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Scotland, Norway and the US. The VNTR typing system revealed two well supported groups of R. salmoninarum haplotypes. The first group included R. salmoninarum isolates originating from both Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout circulating in Scottish and Norwegian aquaculture, in addition to the type strain ATCC33209T originating from Chinook salmon in North America. The second group comprised isolates found exclusively in Atlantic salmon, of mainly wild origin, including isolates NCIB1114 and NCIB1116 associated with the original Dee disease in Scotland. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed that VNTR analysis can be successfully applied to discriminate R. salmoninarum strains. There was no clear distinction between isolates originating from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout as several haplotypes in group 1 clustered together R. salmoninarum isolates from both species. These findings indicate a potential exchange of pathogens between Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Scottish and Norwegian aquaculture during the last 20 years. In a scenario of expansion of rainbow trout farming into the marine environment, appropriate biosecurity measures to minimize disease occurrence are advised. The present results also suggest that R. salmoninarum isolates circulating in European aquaculture over the last 20 years are genetically distant to the wild strains originally causing BKD in the rivers Dee and Spey.

Functional characterization of a nonmammalian IL-21: rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss IL-21 upregulates the expression of the Th cell signature cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-22.

In mammals, IL-21 is a common γ chain cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells and NKT cells that acts on multiple lineages of cells. Although IL-21 has also been discovered in birds, amphibians, and fish, to date, no functional studies have been reported for any nonmammalian IL-21 molecule. We have sequenced an IL-21 gene (tIL-21) in rainbow trout, which has a six-exon/five-intron structure, is expressed in immune tissues, and is induced by bacterial and viral infection and the T cell stimulant PHA. In contrast to mammals, calcium ionophore and PMA act synergistically to induce tIL-21. Recombinant tIL-21 (rtIL-21) induced a rapid and long-lasting (4-72 h) induction of expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-22, signature cytokines for Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type responses, respectively, in head kidney leukocytes. However, rtIL-21 had little effects on the expression of other cytokines studied. rtIL-21 maintained the expression of CD8α, CD8ß, and IgM at a late stage of stimulation when their expression was significantly decreased in controls and increased the expression of the Th cell markers CD4, T-bet, and GATA3. Intraperitoneal injection of rtIL-21 confirmed the in vitro bioactivity and increased the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-21, IL-22, CD8, and IgM. Inhibition experiments revealed that the activation of JAK/STAT3, Akt1/2, and PI3K pathways were responsible for rtIL-21 action. This study helps to clarify the role of IL-21 in lower vertebrates for the first time, to our knowledge, and suggests IL-21 is a likely key regulator of T and B cell function in fish.

Development of a real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the identification of the invasive paddle crab Charybdis japonica (Crustacea, Portunidae).

Crabs can be transported beyond their native range via anthropogenic-mediated means such as aquarium trade, live seafood trade and shipping. Once introduced into new locations, they can establish persisting populations and become invasive, often leading to negative impacts on the recipient environment and native species. Molecular techniques are increasingly being used as complementary tools in biosecurity surveillance and monitoring plans for invasive species. Molecular tools can be particularly useful for early detection, rapid identification and discrimination of closely related species, including when diagnostic morphological characters are absent or challenging, such as early life stages, or when only part of the animal is available. In this study, we developed a species-specific qPCR assay, which targets the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) region of the Asian paddle crab Charybdis japonica. In Australia, as well as many parts of the world, this species is considered invasive and routine biosecurity surveillance is conducted to reduce the risk of establishment. Through rigorous testing of tissue from target and non-target species we demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to detect as little as two copies per reaction and does not cross amplify with other closely related species. Field samples and environmental samples spiked with C. japonica DNA in high and low concentrations indicate that this assay is also a promising tool for detecting trace amounts of C. japonica eDNA in complex substrates, making it a useful complementary tool in marine biosecurity assessments.

Environmental sensitivity of Ru(II) complexes: the role of the accessory ligands.

A suite of Ru(II) complexes in which one ligand is pH responsive and the other two are varied in an effort to achieve improved photophysics has been synthesized and their potential as pH reporters assessed. The more general purpose of the study was to examine the role of the accessory ligands in heteroleptic reporter complexes and the degree to which such ligands can affect the performance of luminescent reporters. For this suite of complexes, judicious choice of the accessory ligand can alter both the pK(a)* and the dynamic range of response. It was found that the emission color and brightness were influenced by pH, but the lifetimes were only weakly affected. Surprisingly, some accessory ligands which should have improved luminescent properties essentially turned off the pH response. Several possible reasons for this observation are explored. It is suggested, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations support, that the relative π* levels of the pH sensitive and the accessory ligands are critical.

An unusually high upper thermal acclimation potential for rainbow trout.

Thermal acclimation, a compensatory physiological response, is central to species survival especially during the current era of global warming. By providing the most comprehensive assessment to date for the cardiorespiratory phenotype of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at six acclimation temperatures from 15°C to 25°C, we tested the hypothesis that, compared with other strains of rainbow trout, an Australian H-strain of rainbow trout has been selectively inbred to have an unusually high and broad thermal acclimation potential. Using a field setting at the breeding hatchery in Western Australia, thermal performance curves were generated for a warm-adapted H-strain by measuring growth, feed conversion efficiency, specific dynamic action, whole-animal oxygen uptake (MO2) during normoxia and hypoxia, the critical maximum temperature and the electrocardiographic response to acute warming. Appreciable growth and aerobic capacity were possible up to 23°C. However, growth fell off drastically at 25°C in concert with increases in the time required to digest a meal, its total oxygen cost and its peak MO2. The upper thermal tipping points for appetite and food conversion efficiency corresponded with a decrease in the ability to increase heart rate during warming and an increase in the cost to digest a meal. Also, comparison of upper thermal tipping points provides compelling evidence that limitations to increasing heart rate during acute warming occurred well below the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and that the faltering ability of the heart to deliver oxygen at different acclimation temperatures is not reliably predicted by CTmax for the H-strain of rainbow trout. We, therefore, reasoned the remarkably high thermal acclimation potential revealed here for the Australian H-strain of rainbow trout reflected the existing genetic variation within the founder Californian population, which was then subjected to selective inbreeding in association with severe heat challenges. This is an encouraging discovery for those with conservation concerns for rainbow trout and other fish species. Indeed, those trying to predict the impact of global warming should more fully consider the possibility that the standing intra-specific genetic variation within a fish species could provide a high thermal acclimation potential, similar to that shown here for rainbow trout.

A low-pathogenic variant of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV-HPR0) is highly prevalent and causes a non-clinical transient infection in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the Faroe Islands.

Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) is an orthomyxovirus responsible for a significant disease of farmed Atlantic salmon. Fallowing and re-establishment of the Atlantic salmon farming industry in the Faroes following a recent devastating infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) disease epidemic provided a unique opportunity to study the risk of re-emergence of disease. Over 53 months, 2787 of 34 573 (8.1%) apparently healthy Atlantic salmon analysed tested positive for ISAV by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed the putative low-pathogenic ISAV-HPR0 subtype in all cases. Results demonstrated that ISAV-HPR0 appeared as a seasonal and transient infection without detectable ISA mortality or pathology. This finding, coupled to an apparent gill tropism of ISAV-HPR0, suggests ISAV-HPR0 causes a subclinical respiratory infection more like seasonal influenza, as opposed to the systemic infection and serious disease caused by highly pathogenic ISAV. The mean time before marine sites became infected was 7.7 months after transfer to seawater of the fish, suggesting a potentially unknown marine reservoir of infection. Sequence analysis identified two main subtypes of ISAV-HPR0 sequences, one of which showed close genetic association with ISAV isolates responsible for the disease outbreak in the Faroes. Thus ISAV-HPR0 might represent an ancestor of pathogenic variants and thus be a potential risk factor in the emergence of new strains of disease-causing ISAV. Our data, however, suggest that the risk of emergence of pathogenic ISAV variants from a reservoir of ISAV-HPR0 is low. This risk is probably being further reduced by practical management strategies adopted in the Faroes and aimed at reducing the potential for maintenance and adaptation of ISAV-HPR0.

The contribution of molecular epidemiology to the understanding and control of viral diseases of salmonid aquaculture.

Molecular epidemiology is a science which utilizes molecular biology to define the distribution of disease in a population (descriptive epidemiology) and relies heavily on integration of traditional (or analytical) epidemiological approaches to identify the etiological determinants of this distribution. The study of viral pathogens of aquaculture has provided many exciting opportunities to apply such tools. This review considers the extent to which molecular epidemiological studies have contributed to better understanding and control of disease in aquaculture, drawing on examples of viral diseases of salmonid fish of commercial significance including viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), salmonid alphavirus (SAV) and infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). Significant outcomes of molecular epidemiological studies include:Improved taxonomic classification of viruses. A better understanding of the natural distribution of viruses. An improved understanding of the origins of viral pathogens in aquaculture. An improved understanding of the risks of translocation of pathogens outwith their natural host range. An increased ability to trace the source of new disease outbreaks. Development of a basis for ensuring development of appropriate diagnostic tools. An ability to classify isolates and thus target future research aimed at better understanding biological function. While molecular epidemiological studies have no doubt already made a significant contribution in these areas, the advent of new technologies such as pyrosequencing heralds a quantum leap in the ability to generate descriptive molecular sequence data. The ability of molecular epidemiology to fulfil its potential to translate complex disease pathways into relevant fish health policy is thus unlikely to be limited by the generation of descriptive molecular markers. More likely, full realisation of the potential to better explain viral transmission pathways will be dependent on the ability to assimilate and analyse knowledge from a range of more traditional information sources. The development of methods to systematically record and share such epidemiologically important information thus represents a major challenge for fish health professionals in making the best future use of molecular data in supporting fish health policy and disease control.

Development and validation of a reverse transcription quantitative PCR for universal detection of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus.

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) infects over 70 fish species inhabiting marine, brackish or freshwater environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Over its geographic range, 4 VHSV genotypes and multiple subtypes exist. Here, we describe the development and validation of a rapid, sensitive and specific real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR assay (RT-qPCR) that amplifies sequence from representative isolates of all VHSV genotypes (I, II, III and IV). The pan-specific VHSV RT-qPCR assay reliably detects 100 copies of VHSV nucleoprotein RNA without cross-reacting with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, spring viremia of carp virus or aquatic birnavirus. Test performance characteristics evaluated on experimentally infected Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. revealed a diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) > or = 93% and specificity (DSp) = 100%. The repeatability and reproducibility of the procedure was exceptionally high, with 93% agreement among test results within and between 2 laboratories. Furthermore, proficiency testing demonstrated the VHSV RT-qPCR assay to be easily transferred to and performed by a total of 9 technicians representing 4 laboratories in 2 countries. The assay performed equivalent to the traditional detection method of virus isolation via cell culture with the advantage of faster turnaround times and high throughput capacity, further suggesting the suitability of the use of this VHSV RT-qPCR in a diagnostic setting.

Interconnections Between the Oral and Gut Microbiomes: Reversal of Microbial Dysbiosis and the Balance Between Systemic Health and Disease.

The human microbiota represents a complex array of microbial species that influence the balance between the health and pathology of their surrounding environment. These microorganisms impart important biological benefits to their host, such as immune regulation and resistance to pathogen colonization. Dysbiosis of microbial communities in the gut and mouth precede many oral and systemic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune-related conditions, and inflammatory states, and can involve the breakdown of innate barriers, immune dysregulation, pro-inflammatory signaling, and molecular mimicry. Emerging evidence suggests that periodontitis-associated pathogens can translocate to distant sites to elicit severe local and systemic pathologies, which necessitates research into future therapies. Fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics represent current modes of treatment to reverse microbial dysbiosis through the introduction of health-related bacterial species and substrates. Furthermore, the emerging field of precision medicine has been shown to be an effective method in modulating host immune response through targeting molecular biomarkers and inflammatory mediators. Although connections between the human microbiome, immune system, and systemic disease are becoming more apparent, the complex interplay and future innovations in treatment modalities will become elucidated through continued research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Adjunctive dental therapies in caries-active children: Shifting the cariogenic salivary microbiome from dysbiosis towards non-cariogenic health.

BACKGROUND: The oral microbiome is a complex assembly of microbial species, whose constituents can tilt the balance towards progression of oral disease or sustained health. Recently we identified sex-specific differences in the salivary microbiome contained within caries-active and caries-free children. In this study, we sought to ascertain if adjunctive dental therapies, including povidone iodine and chlorhexidine, were effective in shifting the cariogenic microbiome from dysbiosis to non-cariogenic health. DESIGN: We recruited young children (ages 2-12 years) to enter five enrollment groups, with each group (N = 9-30 participants/group) receiving caries restorative and/or adjunctive therapies, either singularly or in combination (OHSU IRB #6535). Saliva specimens were collected pre- and post-treatment (4-8 weeks) of caries preventive measures, and oral microbiota were identified using next generation sequencing (HOMINGS, Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA). RESULTS: With the use of multi-dimensional scaling plots, support vector machine learning, odds ratio analysis, and other statistical methods, we have determined that treatment with povidone iodine can shift the composition of the salivary cariogenic microbiome to include higher proportions of aerobic microorganisms, such as Stentrophomonas maltophila, as well as non-cariogenic, anaerobic microorganisms including Poryphyromonas and Fusobacterium species. CONCLUSION: We have identified microorganisms that are associated with caries-active children and have determined that povidone iodine is an effective adjunctive therapy that has the potential to shift the composition of the cariogenic microbiome to one more closely aligned with non-cariogenic health.

Surveillance for infectious salmon anaemia virus HPR0 in marine Atlantic salmon farms across Scotland.

Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is a serious and commercially important pathogen of Atlantic salmon. Multiple viruses have been defined based on a highly polymorphic region (HPR) of the haemagglutinin-esterase (HE) protein encoded by genomic segment 6. The viruses causing disease outbreaks in farms to date all have deletions in this region with respect to a putative ancestral variant with a longer HPR (HPR0). The presence of HPR0 nucleic acid has been detected in many countries including Scotland, where it has mostly been associated with healthy wild and farmed fish. Pathogenic ISAVs appear to have been derived from HPR0 ancestors on multiple independent occasions, which suggests that the presence of HPR0 could represent a risk factor in the re-emergence of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) disease. In order to better understand this potential risk factor, anonymous samples of gill and heart tissues from marine Atlantic salmon farms throughout Scotland were collected and screened for the presence of ISAV RNA. Since it has not been possible to isolate HPR0 in conventional ISA-permissive cell cultures, a sensitive real-time RT-PCR method was employed for the detection of viral RNA. DNA sequencing was carried out on the positive samples to determine their HPR sequence. ISAV RNA was detected in 6 samples originating from 4 different locations and sequence analysis indicated the viruses were of the HPR0 type. Full length segment 6 sequence analysis of 1 positive sample indicated that it was most similar to a European genotype sequence previously obtained from North America.

Molecular tools for identification of shark species involved in depredation incidents in Western Australian fisheries.

Shark depredation is an issue of concern in some Western Australian recreational and commercial fisheries where it can have economic, social and ecological consequences. Knowledge of the shark species involved is fundamental to developing effective management strategies to mitigate the impacts of depredation. Identification of the species responsible is difficult as direct observation of depredation events is uncommon and evaluating bite marks on fish has a high degree of uncertainty. The use of trace DNA techniques has provided an alternative method for species identification. We demonstrate proof of concept for a targeted DNA barcoding approach to identify shark species using trace DNA found at bite marks on recovered remains of hooked fish. Following laboratory validation, forensic analysis of swabs collected from samples of bitten demersal fish, led to the definitive identification of shark species involved in 100% of the incidences of depredation (n = 16).

Sex-specific differences in the salivary microbiome of caries-active children.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a chronic disease affecting young children and has multi-factorial risk factors. The purpose of this work was to identify sex-specific differences in the salivary microbiota within caries-active children. Design: Saliva specimens were collected from 85 children (boys: 41; girls: 44) between the ages of 2-12 years. Salivary microbial DNA was subjected to PCR amplification using V3-V4 16S rDNA-specific primers and next-generation sequencing. Results: Significant sex differences in salivary microbiota were found between caries-active boys versus caries-active girls. Neisseria flavescens, Rothia aeria, and Haemophilus pittmaniae were found at significantly higher levels in caries-active boys. In contrast, Lactococcus lactis, Selenomonas species HOT 126, Actinobaculum species HOT 183, Veillonella parvula, and Alloprevotella species HOT 473 were found at significantly higher levels in caries-active girls. Conclusion: We have found the acid-generating, cariogenic Lactococcus lactis to be much more abundant in caries-active girls than caries-active boys, indicating that this microorganism may play a more significant role in shaping the cariogenic microbiome in girls. In addition, in caries-active girls, Alloprevotella species HOT 473 was the only species that exhibited both significant sex differences (4.4-fold difference; p=0.0003) as well as high abundance in numbers (1.85% of the total microbial population).

Development of a sensitive and controlled real-time RT-PCR assay for viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) in marine salmonid aquaculture.

A survey was undertaken to determine the potential distribution of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) in marine cage-based salmonid farms in Scotland. A rapid, accurate and sensitive quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was developed, targeting a conserved region of the nucleoprotein (N) gene of the virus. The qRT-PCR assay was shown to be more sensitive than the conventional VHSV RT-PCR. A validation protocol included several different virus isolates as the target and confirmed that the assay could detect all European VHSV genotypes (I, II and III). Both endogenous and exogenous controls were designed to control for integrity of template and distinguish between true VHSV positives and contamination with the positive control material. In total, the universal European VHSV qRT-PCR assay with exogenous positive control was applied to screen 2040 individual Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and 150 individual rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. No evidence of the presence of VHSV in association with either salmonid species in Scottish marine farms was detected. However, both marine Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout are still considered possible carriers of VHSV, which remains a potential threat to freshwater farming. Therefore, a continued surveillance of these species in marine environment is recommended.

Real-time PCR detection of Didemnum perlucidum (Monniot, 1983) and Didemnum vexillum (Kott, 2002) in an applied routine marine biosecurity context.

Prevention and early detection are well recognized as the best strategies for minimizing the risks posed by nonindigenous species (NIS) that have the potential to become marine pests. Central to this is the ability to rapidly and accurately identify the presence of NIS, often from complex environmental samples like biofouling and ballast water. Molecular tools have been increasingly applied to assist with the identification of NIS and can prove particularly useful for taxonomically difficult groups like ascidians. In this study, we have developed real-time PCR assays suited to the specific identification of the ascidians Didemnum perlucidum and Didemnum vexillum. Despite being recognized as important global pests, this is the first time specific molecular detection methods have been developed that can support the early identification and detection of these species from a broad range of environmental sample types. These fast, robust and high-throughput assays represent powerful tools for routine marine biosecurity surveillance, as detection and confirmation of the early presence of species could assist in the timely establishment of emergency responses and control strategies. This study applied the developed assays to confirm the ability to detect Didemnid eDNA in water samples. While previous work has focused on detection of marine larvae from water samples, the development of real-time PCR assays specifically aimed at detecting eDNA of sessile invertebrate species in the marine environment represents a world first and a significant step forwards in applied marine biosecurity surveillance. Demonstrated success in the detection of D. perlucidum eDNA from water samples at sites where it could not be visually identified suggests value in incorporating such assays into biosecurity survey designs targeting Didemnid species.

Identification of an interferon antagonist protein encoded by segment 7 of infectious salmon anaemia virus.

Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is an orthomyxovirus and member of the genus Isavirus, which contains eight genomic segments coding for ten viral proteins. This study focussed on identifying the function of the largest protein encoded by ISAV genomic segment 7 (7i), which like influenza A segment 7 encodes two proteins, one of which is based on removal of an intron from the primary transcript. Using two independent methods, an Mx1 promoter-driven reporter system and real-time PCR of FACS-sorted transfected cells, we demonstrate that the non-structural ISAV 7i protein is an interferon-signalling antagonist. Other transfection studies indicated a predominantly cytoplasmic localisation of the expressed protein, which is consistent with this role. The demonstration that ISAV segment 7 encodes a putative non-structural IFN system antagonist reveals a difference with influenza A virus, where segment 7, which shares a similar coding strategy, encodes the structural matrix proteins.

Development and application of real-time PCR for specific detection of Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus larvae in Scottish plankton samples.

Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus are important parasites of wild and cultured salmonids in the Northern Hemisphere. These species, generically referred to as sea lice, are estimated to cost the Scottish aquaculture industry in excess of pound 25 million per annum. There is great interest in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Canada to sample sea lice larvae in their natural environment in order to understand lice larvae distribution and improve parasite control. Microscopy is currently relied on for use in the routine identification of sea lice larvae in plankton samples. This method is, however, limited by its time-consuming nature and requirement for highly skilled personnel. The development of alternative methods for the detection of sea lice larvae which might be used to complement and support microscopic examinations of environmental samples is thus desirable. In this study, a genetic method utilising a real-time PCR Taqman-MGB probe-based assay targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene was developed, which allowed species-specific detection of L. salmonis and C. elongatus larvae from unsorted natural and spiked plankton samples. Real-time PCR is a rapid, sensitive, highly specific and potentially quantitative technique. This study demonstrated its suitability for the routine identification of L. salmonis and C. elongatus in mixed plankton samples. The real-time PCR assay developed has considerable potential for use in complementing, supporting and reducing reliance on time-consuming conventional microscopic examination for the specific identification of sea lice larvae in plankton samples.

Introgression threatens the survival of the critically endangered freshwater crayfish Cherax tenuimanus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in the wild.

Hybridization and genetic introgression following the introduction of exotic species can pose a significant threat to the survival of geographically restricted species. A remnant population of the critically endangered freshwater crayfish Cherax tenuimanus in the upper reaches of the Margaret River in southwestern Australia is under threat following the introduction and spread of its congener Cherax cainii. Here, we examine the extent of hybridization and introgression between the two species using twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci. Our study reveals there are three times more C. cainii than C. tenuimanus at our study site in the upper reaches of the Margaret River. There is also evidence of hybridization and introgression between C. tenuimanus and C. cainii at this site, with F1, F2 and backcrossed individuals identified. While interbreeding was confirmed in this study, our simulations suggest that the levels of introgression are much lower than would be expected under random mating, indicating partial reproductive barriers exist. Nevertheless, it is apparent that hybridization and introgression with C. cainii pose a serious threat to C. tenuimanus and their survival in the wild will require active adaptive management and continued genetic monitoring to evaluate management effectiveness.