Tenacibaculum ovolyticum 16S rDNA Quantitative-PCR Assay Development and Field Testing

In British Columbia (BC; Canada) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) production, Tenacibaculum members are associated with ‘mouthrot’ and disease identification is based on gross observation clinical data. Genomic similarities (i.e., putative virulence factors) between T. ovolyticum other better-characterized agents of mouthrot could imply potential pathogenicity. While has not been directly linked to mortality events in BC, it isolated from diseased marine fish. To investigate ovolyticum’s pathogenicity situ, a 16S rDNA qPCR assay targeting ~155 bp amplicon was developed. The used screen 67 biotic 33 abiotic samples collected BC net-pen site before, during, after outbreak. specific, quantifiable detectable for over 6-log 8-log units, respectively. However, cycle quotients differed the isolate type strain ovolyticum, suggesting that qualitative use field would be more accurate. Only two out 100 were ovolyticum-positive, indicating limited involvement this particular ecological role its pathogenesis outbreaks unknown.