Visualisation of zebrafish infection by GFP-labelled Vibrio anguillarum

Abstract

Vibrio anguillarum is an invasive pathogen of fish causing a septicaemia called vibriosis. In this work, transparent zebrafish were immersed in water containing green fluorescent protein labelled V. anguillarum. The infection was visualised at the whole fish and single bacterium levels using microscopy. The gastrointestinal tract was the first site where the pathogen was detected. This enteric localisation occurred independently of the flagellum or motility. On the other hand, chemotactic motility was essential for association of the pathogen with the fish surface. In conclusion, the zebrafish infection model provides evidence that the intestine and skin represent sites of infection by V. anguillarum and suggests a host site where chemotaxis may function in virulence.