造成数十亿海星死亡的“凶手”是谁？国际最新研究鉴定出一种细菌

Core Insights - A recent ecological study published in the journal "Nature Ecology & Evolution" identifies the pathogen Vibrio pectenicida as a cause of sea star wasting disease, which has led to billions of sea star deaths and significant loss of kelp habitats since 2013 [1][3][5] Group 1: Impact of Sea Star Wasting Disease - Sea star wasting disease has resulted in the largest recorded marine epidemic among non-commercial species, affecting sea star populations along the Pacific coast of North America from Mexico to Alaska [3][5] - The decline of sunflower sea stars, a key predator of herbivorous sea urchins, has led to a surge in sea urchin populations and subsequent overgrazing of kelp forests, which are critical habitats for many marine species [3][5] Group 2: Research Findings - The research involved seven controlled exposure experiments with both wild and quarantined sunflower sea stars, indicating the involvement of a living non-viral pathogen in the disease [5][7] - Genetic sequencing of microbial communities from diseased and healthy sea stars confirmed Vibrio pectenicida as a contributing factor to the disease, with laboratory experiments further validating this identification [5][7] Group 3: Future Implications - The findings may enable cross-environment and cross-species detection of sea star wasting disease, aiding in understanding its transmission and improving management strategies for wild populations facing outbreaks [7]