Associated microbiome in sea stars exhibiting epidermal disease. starfish metagenome

Over the past decade, severe syndromes of unusual lethality have annihilated sea stars populations and have raised awareness globally. This study describes the first detailed case study of a conjunction of symptomatic processes affecting Antarctic Asteroidea. The exploration combined gross observation of lesions, transect surveys, disease transmission assays and histopathology analyses, along with modern molecular biology techniques applying high throughput community profiling for Bacteria and Fungi. We provide insights into the etiology of this potentially novel emerging disorder and establish the basis to develop diagnostic criteria around the causing agents of this disease-like syndrome.