The main microbial diseases affecting marine cultured bivalves have been
revised on the basis of the etiologic agents, pathogenesis and
pathogenicity. Several recent bivalve-interaction models have been studied,
including Pecten larvae-Vibrio pectinicida, brown ring disease,
juvenile oyster disease, Pacific
oyster nocardiosis and summer mortalities of oysters. In addition, the
taxonomy and phylogeny of new potential bivalve pathogens and their
virulence factors have been established.
Facing the difficulty of identifying bacterial strains associated with
molluscan diseases (mainly vibriosis), polyphasic approaches have been
developed to correlate the phenotype and genotype of potential pathogens. By
evaluating likely virulence mechanisms, developing biotests to screen
virulent strains and characterising the genes implicated in pathogenesis, a
new generation of diagnostic tools, based on potential virulence, will be
developed. Acquisition of pertinent diagnostic tools will be of major
benefit in disease management, health surveillance and monitoring will
contribute to maintaining sustainable aquaculture industries.