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Updated: May 8, 2026

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods
Published on: December 21, 2019
White spot syndrome virus: Genotypes, Epidemiology and Evolutionary Studies
Malathi Shekar1, Balakrishnan Pradeep, Indrani Karunasagar
1Department of Fishery Microbiology, College of Fisheries, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Mangalore, 575 002 India.
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) genotyping reveals distinct strains, crucial for understanding shrimp disease evolution and spread. Molecular markers track WSSV epidemiology and identify the fittest strains.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Molecular Epidemiology
- * Aquaculture Pathology
Background:
- * White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a significant global pathogen impacting shrimp aquaculture.
- * WSSV exhibits high genetic similarity with minor variable genomic loci used as molecular markers.
- * Understanding WSSV genotypes is key to managing disease outbreaks and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review WSSV genotyping studies for insights into its evolution and epidemiology.
- * To highlight the use of variable genomic regions as markers for WSSV strain identification.
- * To explore the relationship between WSSV genotypes, fitness, and virulence.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of genomic deletions in variable regions (e.g., ORF23/24, ORF14/15).
- * Typing based on variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) regions (ORF75, ORF94, ORF125).
- * Review of molecular epidemiology studies employing WSSV genotyping.
Main Results:
- * Identification of multiple WSSV genotypes with geographical prevalence variations.
- * Genomic deletions in ORF23/24 and ORF14/15 regions are evolutionarily significant.
- * Smaller WSSV genomes indicate higher fitness; mixed infections correlate with fewer outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- * WSSV genotyping is essential for tracking viral evolution and spread.
- * Specific genomic markers effectively differentiate WSSV strains for epidemiological studies.
- * Further research into WSSV genotype-fitness relationships can inform disease management strategies.
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