Some biological properties of a rhabdovirus isolated from penaeid shrimps

Some of the relevant biological properties of a rhabdovirus isolated from penaeid shrimps (RPS) were examined. The virus replicated in an established fish cell line, epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) which allowed for the development of a quantitative plaque assay protocol. Virus replication was not inhibited by the DNA antagonist, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (20 micrograms/ml). Virus infectivity was sensitive to 20% ethyl ether, low pH, and to 37 degrees C. The virus showed marked lability to repeated freezing and thawing and storage at -10 degrees C, but was stable at -70 degrees C for several weeks. The virus particle to infectious unit ratio in EPC was found to be 30.