Skin Injuries Contribute to Nocardiosis in Japanese Amberjack Seriola quinqueradiata

Abstract

We examined how mechanical damages to the skin and the infestation of the monogenean Benedenia seriolae on the skin affected Nocardia seriolae infection in Japanese amberjack Seriola quinqueradiata. ​After the skin was inflicted damages or after B. seriolae was dewormed with freshwater bathing, amberjacks were challenged with 1.0 × 10³ CFU/mL N. seriolae by immersion. ​Survival rate was significantly lower in the skin-damaged group and the skin fluke-infested group than in their respective control groups. ​The present study suggests that skin injuries and B. seriolae infection contribute to the N. seriolae infection in Japanese amberjack.