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Characterization of a trypanosome from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), cage-cultured in seawater, in China

Wang, Ju-Feng; Li, Xin-Tao; Zhang, Peng; Xu, Li-Wen; Zhang, Jin-Yong; Hide, Geoff; Lai, De-Hua; Lun, Zhao-Rong

Characterization of a trypanosome from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), cage-cultured in seawater, in China Thumbnail


Authors

Ju-Feng Wang

Xin-Tao Li

Peng Zhang

Li-Wen Xu

Jin-Yong Zhang

De-Hua Lai

Zhao-Rong Lun



Abstract

A significant outbreak of trypanosomosis occurred in farmed large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in Southeast China resulting in daily mortality rates, over 70 days, of up to 1 % with cumulative losses nearing 60 %. Despite the severity of the outbreak, details of the specific trypanosomes infecting large yellow croaker remain unclear. In this study, samples of fish were collected from the fish farmer during the outbreak. A high prevalence of trypanosomes, confirmed by microscopy and PCR analysis, was associated with pathology. Sequence identification and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolated trypanosome had 99.27 % sequence identity with Trypanosoma carassii MARV, a typical freshwater fish trypanosome, and clustered within the T. carassii complex C group. Morphological characterization, using Giemsa staining, further supported the similarity between the trypanosomes infecting large yellow croaker and the T. carassii complex C group. Additionally, a broader host range was established as it also infected Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), koi (Cyprinus carpio) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), leading to its designation as a subspecies within the T. carassii complex, named T. carassii spectrum. This represents the first documented instance of T. carassii, a typical freshwater fish trypanosome, infecting a marine fish whilst highlighting its severe pathogenicity and the urgent need for effective control measures. Furthermore, in vitro cultivation was successfully established, providing a foundation for future research on prevention and management strategies.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 10, 2025
Online Publication Date May 24, 2025
Publication Date Sep 15, 2025
Deposit Date May 27, 2025
Publicly Available Date May 29, 2025
Journal Aquaculture Reports
Electronic ISSN 2352-5134
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Article Number 102868
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.102868
Keywords Trypanosoma carassiiFish trypanosomosisLarge yellow croakerMarine fish
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

SDG 13 - Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

SDG 15 - Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

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