Abstract
The extent of Panulirus argus virus 1 (PaV1) prevalence and distribution throughout the pan-Caribbean distribution of Panulirus argus (Caribbean spiny lobsters) is unknown, but positive reports are mounting since 1999. The prevalence of 5%–8% can increase to epizootics of up to >50%. Areas reported with PaV1 include the Florida Keys, St. Croix, Mexico (Puerto Morelos), and Belize. PaV1 is a DNA virus with morphological characteristics of the Herpesviridae and Iridoviridae. Juvenile spiny lobsters are lethargic, have chalky-white hemolymph, and sometimes a discolored (yellowed) carapace heavily fouled by epibionts. PaV1 targets fixed phagocytes of hepatopancreas and then circulating hemocytes—hyalinocytes and semigranulocytes but not granulocytes. This chapter describes the pathology of the first virus identified in tropical spiny lobsters to date.
Published Version
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