Abstract
The mode of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) transmission in the Great Lakes basin is largely unknown. In order to assess the potential role of macroinvertebrates in VHSV transmission, Diporeia spp., a group of amphipods that are preyed upon by a number of susceptible Great Lakes fishes, were collected from seven locations in four of the Great Lakes and analyzed for the presence of VHSV. It was demonstrated that VHSV is present in some Diporeia spp. samples collected from lakes Ontario, Huron, and Michigan, but not from Lake Superior. Phylogenetic comparison of partial nucleoprotein (N) gene sequences (737 base pairs) of the five isolates to sequences of 13 other VHSV strains showed the clustering of Diporeia spp. isolates with the VHSV genotype IVb. This study reports the first incidence of a fish-pathogenic rhabdovirus being isolated from Diporeia, or any other crustacean and underscores the role macroinvertebrates may play in VHSV ecology.
Highlights
The mode of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) transmission in the Great Lakes basin is largely unknown
While laboratory studies demonstrated that the virus can be transmitted to naïve fish by both immersion and injection [5], [6], [7], the mode of VHSV transmission in the Great Lakes basin is largely unknown
In the Great Lakes foodweb, amphipods of the genera Diporeia, Gammarus, and Hyalella occupy a central position as they transform energy from lower to higher trophic levels [9]
Summary
The mode of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) transmission in the Great Lakes basin is largely unknown. Findings The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), genotype IVb, is a recent invader to the Laurentian Great Lakes basin and has been associated with mortalities in a number of resident freshwater fish species [1], [2], [3], [4]. While laboratory studies demonstrated that the virus can be transmitted to naïve fish by both immersion and injection [5], [6], [7], the mode of VHSV transmission in the Great Lakes basin is largely unknown.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
