Evaluation of the genetic variability of the virus of hypodermal infection and haematopoietic necrosis (IHHNV) in experimentally-infected brown shrimp, Farfantepenaeus subtilis

Abstract

Viruses are the pathologies that cause greater impact in the shrimp farming and consequential biggest economic damages  registered in the sector. Despite Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) is considered a pathogen of low  impact in  Litopenaeus vannamei species, it can bring some negative economic implications for the shrimp industry, as reduction of  growth rates and low productivity. An experiment carried through in the Center of Aquatic Organims Disease Diagnosis (CEDECAM,  Labomar, UFC) included the PCR detection of the IHHNV in native species of shrimps  Farfantepenaeus subtilis experimentally per  os infected. Results analysis showed no expected amplicons that could be generated by genetic modifications in the virus or non-specific  amplifications, where the precision of the molecular diagnosis could be questioned. The present work had as objective to approach the  variability of the IHHNV through the genetic sequencing of produced amplicons. These sequences were compared with those already  published, showing that it does not have enough variability to compromise the results of the PCR molecular diagnosis. Additionally,  the identified virus was compared with others of different origins, showing great similarity with that proceeding from the Hawaii and  Equador.