Characterization of the microbiome and immune response in corals with chronic <i>Montipora</i> white syndrome

Coral diseases have increased in frequency and intensity around the tropics worldwide. However, many cases, little is known about their etiology. Montipora white syndrome (MWS) a common disease affecting coral capitata, major reef builder Hawai'i. Chronic (cMWS) slow-moving form of that affects M. capitata throughout year. The effects this chronic on immunology microbiology are currently unknown. In study, we use prophenoloxidase immune assays 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize microbiome immunological response associated with cMWS. Our results show microbiological responses highly localized. Relative diseased samples, apparently healthy portions cMWS corals differed activity relative abundance microbial taxa. tissues showed decreased tyrosinase-type catecholase cresolase laccase-type activity. Catecholase were negatively correlated across all tissue types richness. localized effect probably an important reason for slow progression disease. This local confinement may facilitate interventions focus treatments types. study provides baseline understand interplay between system mechanisms used by manage perturbations syndrome.