Characterization of Vibrio damsela strains isolated from turbot Scophthalmus maximus in Spain

Abstract

During a 3 yr penod several epizootics of vibnos~s In turbot Scophthalmus maximus occurred in different marine farms located in northwestern Spain. Affected fish showed extensive haemorragic areas around the anus, eyes and mouth, as well as a characteristic accumulation of mucus and reddish fluid in the peritonea1 cavity. Strains of Vibrio damsela were isolated from diseased fish, representing, to our knowledge, the first report of this bacterium causing problems in cultured turbot. Isolates were biochemically identical to collection strains isolated from both fish and humans, and exhibited the same pattern of drug-sensitivity. However, antigenic differences occurred among the strains, 4 distinct groups of V. damsela being recognized. These serological results were supported by lipopolysaccharide profiles and the outer-membrane protein patterns exhibited by the bacter~al isolates.