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Taura syndrome virus from Belize represents a unique variant
Heidi S Erickson1, Bonnie T Poulos, Kathy F J Tang
1Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, The University of Arizona, 1117 East Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
|May 28, 2005
Summary
A new Taura syndrome virus (TSV) isolate from Belize (BLZ02TSV) caused higher mortality in shrimp. This unique TSV strain did not react with a common antibody, highlighting challenges in disease detection.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Virology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Taura syndrome virus (TSV) is a significant pathogen affecting Penaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp).
- Previous TSV isolates have shown genetic variation, impacting disease dynamics and diagnostics.
- Monoclonal antibody 1A1 (MAb 1A1) is commonly used for TSV detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel TSV isolate (BLZ02TSV) from cultured shrimp in Belize.
- To compare the pathogenicity and genetic characteristics of BLZ02TSV with a reference TSV isolate (HI94TSV).
- To evaluate the reactivity of BLZ02TSV with MAb 1A1.
Main Methods:
- Infection of specific pathogen-free (SPF) Penaeus vannamei with BLZ02TSV and HI94TSV.
- Mortality assessment and onset of disease.
- In situ hybridization and RT-PCR for viral detection.
- Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry using MAb 1A1.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the TSV VP1 capsid gene region.
Main Results:
- BLZ02TSV caused significantly higher mortality and earlier disease onset in SPF P. vannamei compared to HI94TSV.
- BLZ02TSV was confirmed as TSV by gene probe hybridization and RT-PCR.
- BLZ02TSV did not react with MAb 1A1, suggesting alterations in the VP1 protein.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed BLZ02TSV in a distinct group among 29 studied TSV isolates.
Conclusions:
- BLZ02TSV represents a unique and potentially more virulent strain of Taura syndrome virus.
- The lack of reactivity with MAb 1A1 indicates limitations in using this antibody for diagnosing new TSV variants.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of TSV genetic diversity on disease management in aquaculture.