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Aims of Lab Fish Dis

We aim to solve health problems of aquatic organisms from both pathogen and host perspectives, without being limited to specific methods such as field surveys, diagnosis, infection experiments, breeding experiments, cell culture, and molecular biological techniques, while maintaining the focus on “how to fight infectious diseases in aquatic organisms”, mainly for sustainable aquaculture and fishery production.  

We are also interested in the mechanisms utilized by pathogens, such as evasion of the host’s defense systems, manipulation of the host’s behavior and physiology, and efficient reproduction within the host organisms. Understanding these mechanisms may not only lead to measures against diseases caused by the pathogens, but also enhance our biological understanding of both the host and parasitic organisms.

Selected research topics in LFD

1: Ovary enlargement disease of the Pacific oyster caused by Marteilioides chungmuensis

Pacific oyster with ovary enlargement disease. Nodules in the soft body are infected foci of Marteilioides chungmuensis.
Pacific oyster oocytes parasitized with Marteilioides chungmuensis. Nucleus of oyster (white arrow) and the parasite (red arrow) stained with DAPI.

2: Perkinsus infection in mollusks

In vitro cultured trophozoites of Perkinsus olseni. Cell membrane was stained with a fluorescent dye.
Non-visible trophozoites of P. olseni on Manila clam gills (right) developed to hypnospores stainable with Lugol’s iodine after incubation in LpcYM (left). 

 

3: Francisella halioticida infection of Yesso scallops

Abscess lesions produced in Yesso scallop adductor muscle by infection of Francisella halioticida.
Histology of the abscess lesions. Muscle tissues were degenerated in the lesion.

4: Amyotrophia of abalone caused by Abalone asfa-like virus

Healthy (left) and diseased abalone (right). Foot muscle of the diseased abalone apparently contracted.

5: Cryptocaryoniasis (white spot disease of marine fish)

Red sea bream infected with Cryptocaryon irritans.
The infective stage of Cryptocaryon irritans. The macronucleus and micronucleus were stained by a fluorescent dye.

6: Ichthyophthiriasis (white spot disease of freshwater fish)

Rainbow trout infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. 
The parasitic stage of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.

Prospective students for LFD

In our laboratory, we welcome international students who possess strong motivation and interest to our studies for fish and shellfish diseases, and who wish to advance research with us in these topics. If you have any questions about our research or life in the lab, or if you wish to visit our laboratory, please contact us through the inquiry form. For information regarding graduate school admissions, please refer to the page of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo.

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