Diagnostic criteria and nomenclature for western Atlantic diseases

A good morphologic description, at the gross level, and if possible at the microscopic level, of the lesions caused by a particular disease is the foundation for any case definition. Standardized language exists to describe the morphology of a lesion for many species of animals. This process involves:

1. Naming the disease;
2. Describing the lesion;
3. Formulating a morphologic diagnosis; and
4. Formulating an etiologic diagnosis.

Part of the confusion in the existing nomenclature of coral diseases is due to the fact that those naming diseases have tried to encapsulate all four steps into one or focused on only the first step.

In April 2004, 45 experts in coral biology, pathology and veterinary science met to develop a framework for coral disease diagnostics by establishing clinical diagnostic criteria and case definitions for selected coral syndromes. The group also recommended guidelines for naming newly identified diseases. The group proposed four key resolutions:

• Adopting a standardized process (Levels 1, 2, & 3) for diagnosing coral diseases;
• Adopting a common vocabulary to describe and name gross coral lesions;
• Learning how to establish case definitions for recognized coral diseases;and
• Recognizing that definitive diagnosis cannot be based solely on field observations, and ultimately must include laboratory confirmation. For example, pathologies commonly observed in Gorgonians have been assumed to be Aspergillosis, based on coloration, presence of galls, and or lesions without confirmation of the presence of the fungus. The CHDC is recommending that researchers refer to these pathologies as Gorgonian Degenerative Syndrome, if determination is based solely on field surveys, until evidence indicating the presence of Aspergillus is confirmed in the laboratory.

When naming or describing diseases, the description of a coral disease should include applicable information on distribution, location on colony, edges, margins, shapes, relief, texture, color, size, and structures affected.

Return to the main coral disease page.