Virulence mechanisms of vibrios belonging to the Splendidus clade as aquaculture pathogens, from case studies and genome data

Abstract

Abstract The Vibrio genus belonging to the Splendidus clade includes 16 described species and can infect a broad host range of cultured animals in marine environments, resulting in various diseases and high mortality, thus leading to high economic losses in aquaculture. Here, we provide a brief description of the virulence of Splendidus clade pathogens and the known or potential virulence factors as well as the virulence regulation factors provided by both case studies and genome data. Splendidus clade pathogens possess virulence factors, including adhesins, extracellular proteases, haemolysins and siderophores, to adhere to, invade and combat hosts. Global regulators, such as the quorum sensing system and σ factors, are involved in virulence regulation. Chemotaxis, flagellum, secretion and toxin‐antitoxin systems, as well as small RNAs that are frequently involved in virulence, are also included in the discussion of the genome data of Splendidus clade pathogen. A better understanding of the pathogenesis, virulence factors and virulence regulation will not only illustrate the means used by Splendidus clade pathogens to infect their hosts but also offer new targets for the development of control strategies against Splendidus clade pathogen infection in aquaculture.

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