Vibrio anguillarum as a cause of disease in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

Abstract

Vibrio anguillarum was repeatedly isolated from skin and muscle lesions of the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus. The dermal lesions, usually accompanied by fin necrosis, included petechiae and ecchymoses in their acute phase and frank ulceration in their more chronic manifestations. Anemia, as evidenced by lowered hematocrit values and increased renal hematopoiesis, was present. The disease was reproduced experimentally by the intradermal injection of as few as 640 V. anguillarum cells. The differential identification of the V. anguillarum isolates from aeromonads, plesiomonads, and other marine vibrios was described and discussed.