Investigation on Natural Infection of Covert Mortality Nodavirus in Farmed Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium

Jitao Xia1,2, Chong Wang2, Liang Yao1,2

  • 1College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.

Insights

Covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) infects the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, expanding its known host range. High prevalence and tissue damage were observed, raising concerns for aquaculture.

Area of Science:

  • Aquatic animal pathology
  • Virology
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) is known for cross-species transmission and widespread epidemics.
  • The known host range of CMNV has not been extensively documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the natural infection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii by CMNV.
  • To determine the prevalence, target organs, and pathological effects of CMNV in M. rosenbergii.

Main Methods:

  • TaqMan RT-qPCR for CMNV detection.
  • Sequence analysis of the CMNV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene.
  • In situ hybridization (ISH) and histology for tissue analysis.
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for visualizing viral particles.

Main Results:

  • CMNV was detected in 61.9% of M. rosenbergii samples from Jiangsu Province, indicating high prevalence.
  • CMNV infection targeted the intestine, gill, hepatopancreas, and ovary, causing histopathological damage like vacuolation and karyopyknosis.
  • CMNV presence in gonads suggests a potential risk of vertical transmission.

Conclusions:

  • CMNV poses a significant threat to Macrobrachium rosenbergii aquaculture due to its high prevalence and pathogenicity.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full impact of CMNV and identify strategies to mitigate its effects on M. rosenbergii populations.

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