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White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus 1. Belongs to family Nimaviridae, genus Whispovirus. Virions measure 300nm, rod-shaped, enveloped virion, dsDNA, 293kb genome Affected countries: Costa Rica, China, Panama, Peru, Honduras, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Japan, El Salvador, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, USA

Up to 100% mortalities in affected farm ponds. WSSV can infect all cultured Penaeids and potentially all other decapod and non-decapod crustaceans. Gross symptoms - Moribund shrimp accumulate near pond surface, display reduced feeding, lethargy, high colour variation and white spots under cuticle. Usually high bird numbers around infected ponds

Ectodermal and mesodermal tissues, especially cuticular epithelium and sub-cuticular connective tissues. Nuclei within the epithelial cells appear hypertrophied with granular eosinophillic or basophillic staining.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

USA