Abstract
During both regulatory and routine surveillance sampling of baitfish from the states of Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin, USA, isolates (n = 20) of a previously unknown picornavirus were obtained from kidney/spleen or entire viscera of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and brassy minnows (Hybognathus hankinsoni). Following the appearance of a diffuse cytopathic effect, examination of cell culture supernatant by negative contrast electron microscopy revealed the presence of small, round virus particles (∼30–32 nm), with picornavirus-like morphology. Amplification and sequence analysis of viral RNA identified the agent as a novel member of the Picornaviridae family, tentatively named fathead minnow picornavirus (FHMPV). The full FHMPV genome consisted of 7834 nucleotides. Phylogenetic analysis based on 491 amino acid residues of the 3D gene showed 98.6% to 100% identity among the 20 isolates of FHMPV compared in this study while only 49.5% identity with its nearest neighbor, the bluegill picornavirus (BGPV) isolated from bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). Based on complete polyprotein analysis, the FHMPV shared 58% (P1), 33% (P2) and 43% (P3) amino acid identities with BGPV and shared less than 40% amino acid identity with all other picornaviruses. Hence, we propose the creation of a new genus (Piscevirus) within the Picornaviridae family. The impact of FHMPV on the health of fish populations is unknown at present.
Highlights
Baitfish are economically and ecologically important throughout many regions of the world [1]
We report the isolation, morphology, and molecular characterization of fathead minnow picornavirus (FHMPV), a novel picornavirus of baitfish
Conserved 3D sequences were found within the FHMPV isolates from this study, which is a characteristic of the Picornaviridae family [23,27]
Summary
Baitfish are economically and ecologically important throughout many regions of the world [1]. For example in the USA, 257 baitfish farms produced $38 million worth of baitfish in 2005, which ranks in the top five for aquaculture production [2]. The most important baitfish species in the USA are the golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), a variety of other wild and farmed fish species are produced [4]. The baitfish industry in the USA ships more than 10 billion fish per year across state lines and nationwide. These fish are distributed through wholesale and retail networks to anglers who take the live baitfish to rivers and lakes where they may be consumed by predators or released into the wild [5]. Large quantities of baitfish are sold as forage for the production of predatory species such as walleye (Sander vitreus) and muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
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