Understanding host-pathogen interactions between Atlantic salmon and saprolegnia parasitica in order to develop new approaches for disease management

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Growth in global fish production is due almost entirely to the increase in fin fish production by aquaculture, representing more than 41% (63.6 million tonnes) of total fish production for human consumption in 2011 (FAO, 2012). The largest cause of economic losses in aquaculture is from fish diseases, with oomycete infections being second only to bacterial infections in terms of their impact. Oomycetes of the genus Saprolegnia can cause saprolegniosis. It is widely recognized by the aquaculture industry in Canada that this disease is prevalent in all freshwater operations and represents an additional cost to fish production due to its impact on fish health. The central scientific objective of this study is to develop experimental tools and generate an information database from which we can attain a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions between the host species of Atlantic salmon and the pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica. An improved understanding of both the infection process and host response will allow us to identify specific elements of each process that may serve as potential gene targets for disease suppression and control. These targets will be examined in subsequent studies focused on control measures for Saprolegniosis. An improved understanding of the infection mechanisms followed by the pathogen, as well as a better understanding of how the host does respond will provide valuable information for disease management by the aquaculture industry.