Host-specific Infectivity of <i>Flavobacterium psychrophilum</i> Strains Isolated from Ayu and Rainbow Trout

Abstract

Flavobacterium psychrophilum can infect rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and ayu Plecoglossus altivelis, detrimentally affecting global aquaculture. ​This study aimed to understand the infectivity and host specificity of two F. psychrophilum strains, SG950607 and PH0424, which were isolated from the kidneys of rainbow trout and ayu, respectively. ​Rainbow trout (fry) and ayu (adult and fry) were infected via two methods: bath immersion and intraperitoneal injection. ​We investigated the ability of each F. psychrophilum strain to survive in the serum of non-original host fish species. ​Rainbow trout died upon being infected by PH0424. ​In addition, the complement of the rainbow trout did not show a bactericidal effect against PH0424. ​On the other hand, ayu infected with SG950607 survived, and their complement eliminated this strain. ​The difference in mortality rates is likely associated with the susceptibility of each strain to the complement activity possessed by the host fish.