Title
Current Pathology Findings in the Pacific Coast Sea Star Wasting Disease Mortality Event.
Author(s)
Newton, A.L.;Garner, M.M.;LaDouceur, E.;Frasca Jr., S.;Smolowitz, R.M.;Knowles, S.;Work, T.M.;Stidworthy, M.F.
Published
2015
Abstract
Since June of 2013, at least 20 species of sea star (Asteroidea) have been affected by the devastating Pacific Coast sea star wasting disease (SSWD) mortality event. Both wild and captive populations in public aquaria, from Southeastern Alaska to Southern California, have been impacted including animals exported to aquaria in Europe. Pisaster, Pycnopodia, and Evasterias are the most affected genera with mortality approaching 100% in select species at certain locations. Clinical disease progression includes: 1) loss of body turgor (deflation) and weakness; 2) foci of body wall pallor and tissue loss; 3) sloughing of rays and/or rupture of the body wall; 4) death. To date (January 2015), 149 Pacific Coast samples, representing 14 asteroid species have been examined histologically by members of a SSWD pathology working group. Consistent changes include: 1) epidermal degeneration, necrosis and ulceration; 2) dermal edema, necrosis and inflammation. Comparative body wall composition analysis and mineral staining have also been pursued to investigate the pathogenesis of the clinical body wall dissolution. Links between the histologic lesions and candidate diseaseassociated organisms identified by viral and bacterial metagenomics remain under investigation by transmission electron microscopy and in-situ hybridization.

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PUB15637