Bacteria that affects coral health with an emphasis on the gulf of Mexico and the caribbean sea

Abstract

Reefs are the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems; therefore, to conserve the vast array of marine species that depend on them is vital. Many coral reefs around the world are under threat of extinction due to factors related to climate change and anthropogenic action. Studies have shown that specific infections develop at normal ocean temperatures and that warmer temperatures make the disease even more virulent. Also, as temperature increases, the infection in already infected corals becomes lethal. Thermal stress and the presence of pathogenic bacteria from the contribution of organic matter generates pathological affections in coral tissue, such as the White Band, Black Band, Yellow Band, White Plague, and Bacterial Whitening. This stimulates, in the short term, loss of coral cover and in the long term, negative impacts on the faunal composition of marine ecosystems. This review aims to present scientific information generated in the identification of different pathogenic bacteria that affect the health of corals.