DNA from dead shrimp tissues is suitable for white spot syndrome virus detection by the polymerase chain reaction

摘要

The growth of the shrimp industry has been accompanied by an increased incidence of infectious diseases (Bacbere 2000). Among them, the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) has been responsible for high mortality rates worldwide. Currently, there is no specific treatmenl to control this viral agent, restricting its management to prophylaxis. In fact, the production of a WSSV free stock is one of these measures. To achieve that, it is imperative to monitor the maturation laboratories as well as other stages of the culture cycle. Although Colombian laboratories are performing the complex routine testing of broodstock. additional information could be obtained from animals that are found dead in the maturation tanks. Inasmuch as these animals cannot be studied by histopathology due to rapid tissue autolysis, DNA diagnostic tests are a conceivable alternative.