Microbial community changes on the skin of Salmo salar

This project aims to explore and understand the complex interactions between bacterial communities residing on the skin of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), mainly focusing on the dynamics during infections by Piscirickettsia salmonis. This pathogen is known for causing severe skin ulcers in salmon, leading to diagnostic challenges and increased susceptibility to other infections.Objectives:To investigate how bacterial networks on salmon skin contribute to the protection against skin ulcers.To examine the shifts in these bacterial interactions that may increase susceptibility to P. salmonis colonization, particularly in the early stages of infection.To compare the bacterial constituents on the skin of healthy Atlantic salmon with those affected by P. salmonis outbreaks.Significance:Understanding the protective role of bacterial networks on Salmo salar skin can provide crucial insights into preventing the collapse of these interactions, which is a critical factor in pathogen colonization. This knowledge is vital for developing strategies for early detection and prevention of skin ulcers, thereby enhancing the health and welfare of farmed Atlantic salmon.