Which specific antibiotic paste has researchers applied topically to exposed, healthy coral tissue near lesions like White Plague?
Answer
Amoxicillin
When managing localized coral infections such as White Plague or Black Band Disease, one established intervention protocol involves physical removal of the visibly diseased tissue along the advancing margin. Following this scraping procedure, researchers often apply a topical paste directly onto the remaining healthy tissue adjacent to the lesion. This application is performed as a preventative measure to reduce the immediate chance of reinfection by opportunistic bacteria present in the water column. Amoxicillin is cited as a specific example of an antibiotic used in these pastes by researchers, including those at Mote Marine Laboratory, for targeted treatment against specific diseases.

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