Scientists have developed a handy diagnostic tool that detects an aquaculture pathogen known as the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).
- The peptide-based diagnostic tool by scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been grated patent on 31 March 2022 as an alternative biorecognition element.
- Infection caused by the WSSV to the shrimp Penaeus vannamei results in huge loss of crop. This high value super-food is susceptible to a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens and the probability of occurrence of infections is rather high.
- Improved nutrition, probiotics, disease resistance, quality control of water, seed and feed, immuno-stimulants and affordable vaccines play an important role in enhancing the production.
- Technologies for early and rapid detection of pathogens on the field will help fish and shell-fish farming which provides significant export revenue to the country which is a leading supplier of shrimp to the USA.
About White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
- The causative agent of white spot disease is white spot syndrome virus, a large DNA virus assigned as the only member of the genus Whispovirus (family Nimaviridae).
- The virus infects only crustaceans and appears not to be related to any other known viruses. All decapod crustaceans (order Decapoda), including prawns, lobsters and crabs from marine, brackish or freshwater environments, are considered susceptible to infection.
- However, the disease has mainly been a problem in farmed prawns. It is not involved in the parasitic disease, common in finfish, also known as white spot.
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