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Flow cytometric analysis of virus-like particles and heterotrophic bacteria within coral-associated reef water

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 April 2006

Nicole L. Patten
Affiliation:
Biological Sciences, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
Justin R. Seymour
Affiliation:
Biological Sciences, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
James G. Mitchell
Affiliation:
Biological Sciences, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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Abstract

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Using flow cytometry, two distinct populations of virus-like particles (VLP) and heterotrophic bacteria were defined within the 12 cm water layer immediately overlying healthy, diseased and dead acroporid corals. Bacterial abundances were similar in overlying water for all coral types, however, VLP were 30% higher above diseased corals than healthy or dead corals. Mean virus to bacteria ratios (VBR) were up to 30% higher above diseased corals than above healthy or dead coral or in distant water. Concomitant with increasing VLP concentrations within 5 cm of coral surfaces, VBR distributions were generally highest above healthy and diseased coral and depressed above dead coral. These results suggest fundamental shifts in the VLP and bacterial community in water associated with diseased corals.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2006 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom