Abstract:
Yersinia ruckeri is the causative agent of enteric red mouth disease (ERM, yersiniosis), one of the most
important diseases that affects particularly farmed salmonids species. Numerous articles have demonstrated
that Y. ruckeri can cause both epizootics and zoonosis. Y. ruckeri shows the ability to survive outside the host
in nutrient-limiting environments for long periods due to biofilms forming capacity with adherence to solid
supports but also for the adherence to the host tissues. Considering these aspects, the control of Y. ruckeri
can be a problem, because of its resistance. Recently, non-thermal plasma activated water (PAW) proved
to be active against Gram-negative bacteria and this fact could be also useful in Y. ruckeri control. The
purpose of this in vitro study was to test the antimicrobial efficacy of PAW against Y. ruckeri and to explore
the ultrastructural changes in these bacteria. Ultrastructural changes in Y. ruckeri cells, probably related to
the action of PAW, included modifications in the shape and texture of the outer membrane. These changes
in the bacterial membrane have been linked with the inactivation of bacteria by PAW exposure.
