Pathogenicity and Virulence Mechanisms of Aeromonas veronii in Aquatic Species

Aeromonas veronii is a Gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in freshwater and marine environments that has emerged as a significant pathogen of farmed fish, amphibians and invertebrates. It causes ulcerative lesions, septicaemia and haemorrhagic disease, leading to high mortality rates and major economic losses in aquaculture. The pathogenicity of A. veronii stems from a diverse arsenal of virulence determinants. Pore-forming toxins such as aerolysin and haemolysin disrupt host cell membranes, while extracellular enzymes degrade tissue barriers and modulate host immunity. Multiple secretion systems (types III, IV and VI) facilitate delivery of effector proteins that subvert cellular processes, promote adhesion and enable intracellular survival. Motility and adherence are mediated by polar and lateral flagella, type IV pili and surface adhesins, which also contribute to biofilm formation. Quorum sensing networks regulate the coordinated expression of virulence genes, enhancing colonisation and persistence. Genomic studies have revealed extensive genetic diversity, frequent horizontal gene transfer and the presence of mobile elements carrying antimicrobial-resistance and virulence genes, underscoring the need for robust surveillance. Understanding host–pathogen interactions, including activation of Toll-like receptor pathways, cytokine responses and recruitment of immune cells, is crucial for developing targeted vaccines and therapeutics. This body of work highlights the global impact of A. veronii on aquatic species health and the importance of integrated management strategies to mitigate its spread.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Pathogenicity and Virulence Mechanisms of Aeromonas veronii in Aquatic Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of aeromonas veronii in aquatic species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Aerolysin: a pore-forming toxin secreted by bacteria that inserts into host cell membranes, causing cell lysis.

Dual RNA-seq: simultaneous sequencing of host and pathogen RNA to analyse transcriptional responses during infection.

Haemolysin: a toxin that lyses red blood cells by disrupting their membranes, contributing to tissue damage.

Type VI secretion system (T6SS): a syringe-like apparatus used by bacteria to inject effector proteins into neighbouring cells or competing microbes.

References

1. Dual RNA-seq of spleens extracted from channel catfish infected with Aeromonas veronii reveals novel insights into host-pathogen interactions. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2023).
2. Genomic Characterization of Aeromonas veronii Provides Insights into Taxonomic Assignment and Reveals Widespread Virulence and Resistance Genes throughout the World. Antibiotics (2023).
3. Pathogenicity of Aeromonas veronii Causing Mass Mortality of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Its Induced Host Immune Response. Microorganisms (2022).