Aeromonadaceae Representative (Aeromonas salmonicida)

Abstract

Aeromonas salmonicida is a significant pathogen of salmonids, and in its atypical form has spread into cyprinids and marine flatfish. Although Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida is homogeneous, atypical isolates are more heterogeneous and do not fit into the current subspecies classification. Questions about the ecology of the organism remain but the consensus is that despite earlier work, cells exist in the aquatic environment although largely in a nonculturable form. Diagnostics have moved towards the use of sensitive and specific molecular methods. Disease control have focused on prophylaxis principally by vaccination, probiotics and immunostimulants.