As coral reefs shrink more and more every year, you may be surprised that one of the biggest threats that they are facing is the herpes virus. According to LifeScience, scientists have discovered herpes infections have been killing off large sections of reefs around the world.
Coral reefs are in danger from extinction; a study conducted in 2004 concluded that 70% of the reefs have been destroyed or are in danger. The largest threats to coral reefs are humans, who cause pollution, global warming, and over fishing.
However, scientists noticed that even when the coral reefs are not terrorized, reefs reach heavily populated areas are nearly decimated. Conversely, coral reefs in remote areas with coarse populations are continuing to flourish.
Viruses like herpes and other diseases could possibly be the missing link to the question of why coral reefs cannot survive near humans. And for coral reefs, getting the herpes virus isn’t merely an inconvenience; it could be fatal.
Although coral reefs cover only one percent of the earth’s surface, the habitat and food they provide drives many industries. According to one study in 2004, coral reefs are responsible for 375 billion dollars of economic benefits.
Coral reefs are one of the most complicated habitats known on the earth. Not only is it home to large fish, but invertebrates such as starfish and sponges. A typical reef can house thousands of species of organisms.
Yet the diversity of the organisms on the reef pale in comparison to the bacteria and archaea that live there. There are 10 million bacteria and 1 billion archaea in a single square centimeter of coral.
As part of the overall research into the coral reefs, a researcher examined pieces for diseases and viruses. She found that the overwhelming amount of coral contained a Herpes viruses.
In nature, herpes viruses are commonly found in many animals. Ninety-five percent of humans have some strain of the herpes virus according to LiveScience.
The herpes virus works on coral the same way it causes a breakout in a human. A trigger, often stress or a lowered immune system causes the virus to attack the host and manifest symptoms. In a reef made of millions of organisms, a herpes flare up can cause serious damage.
Scientists hope that by discovering the link between humans and the coral reef, they will be able to protect them in the future. Researches also noted that addressing global warming and increasing amounts of water pollution could attend the coral reef fight off the herpes virus.
SOURCES:
Thompson, Andrea, “Herpes Virus Killing Coral Reefs.” Life Science. URL: (http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070621/sc_livescience/herpesviruskillingcoralreefs;_ylt=AnK4I5CsuS0iaWcmmZQXrq7MWM0F)
Heilprin, John, “Coral Reef Damage Rising Worldwide.” Associated Press. URL: (http://newscri.be/link/262598)
