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French scallops: a new host for ostreid herpesvirus-1

I Arzul1, J L Nicolas, A J Davison

  • 1IFREMER, Laboratoire de Génétique et Pathologie, 17390 La Tremblade, France.

Virology
|March 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A herpesvirus variant, ostreid herpesvirus-1, caused high mortalities in French scallop larvae. This virus infects multiple bivalve species, including oysters, and may transmit from adult scallops.

Area of Science:

  • Marine Virology
  • Bivalve Pathology
  • Aquaculture Disease

Background:

  • Sporadic high mortalities observed in larval French scallops (Pecten maximus).
  • Previous identification of ostreid herpesvirus-1 in clams and oysters.
  • Limited knowledge on viral pathogens affecting scallop populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the causative agent of mortality in French scallop larvae.
  • To characterize the identified virus and determine its host range.
  • To investigate potential transmission routes within scallop populations.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy of moribund scallop larvae.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing for viral identification.
  • Cross-infection experiments with scallop and oyster larvae.
  • In situ hybridization for viral DNA detection in adult scallops.

Main Results:

  • Herpesvirus-like particles and cellular lesions identified in affected larvae.
  • Virus identified as a variant of ostreid herpesvirus-1.
  • Successful transmission to both scallop and oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae.
  • Viral DNA detected in asymptomatic adult scallops.

Conclusions:

  • First description of a herpesvirus infection in French scallops (Pecten maximus).
  • Ostreid herpesvirus-1 variant exhibits a broad host range, infecting multiple bivalve species.
  • Potential for vertical transmission from adult scallops to larvae suggested.

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