Megalocytivirus infection in cultured Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

Thomas B. Waltzek¹  Charlie E. Smith¹  Natalie K. Steckler¹  Michael Gotesman¹  Kuttichantran Subramaniam¹  Joseph M. Groff¹  Karen L. Kelley¹ 

关键词: Iridoviridae;    Megalocytivirus;    Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus;    Aquaculture;    Ornamental fish;   

DOI  :  10.3354/dao02985

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: Megalocytiviruses, such as infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), induce lethal systemic diseases in both ornamental and food fish species. In this study, we investigated an epizootic affecting Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus cultured in the US Midwest. Diseased fish displayed lethargy, gill pallor, and distension of the coelomic cavity due to ascites. Histopathological examination revealed a severe systemic abundance of intravascular megalocytes that were especially prominent in the gills, kidney, spleen, liver, and intestinal submucosa. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed abundant intracytoplasmic polygonal virions consistent with iridovirus infection. Comparison of the full-length major capsid protein nucleotide sequences from a recent outbreak with a remarkably similar case that occurred at the same facility many years earlier revealed that both epizootics were caused by ISKNV. A comparison of this case with previous reports suggests that ISKNV may represent a greater threat to tilapia aquaculture than previously realized.

【 授权许可】

Unknown