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VOL. 10, ISSUE 7 (2025)
Prevalence of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in wild-caught Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors
Tumpa Dey, Bidesh Naskar, Sekar Harikrishnan, Sivaranjani Ganapathy, B Deivasigamani
Abstract
White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a major viral pathogen affecting
penaeid shrimp, causing substantial economic losses in aquaculture. This study
investigated the prevalence of WSSV in wild-caught Penaeus monodon from three
marine landing centers—Annankoil, Mudasalodai, and Samiyarpettai—along the
Cuddalore coast, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 41 shrimp samples were collected
and examined through gross clinical signs, histopathological analysis, and PCR
confirmation. Characteristic white spots on the carapace, reddish appendages,
and loose cuticle were observed in gross examination, while histology revealed
nuclear hypertrophy and eosinophilic to basophilic intranuclear inclusion
bodies in gill tissues—hallmarks of WSSV infection. Molecular diagnosis using
nested PCR confirmed the presence of WSSV with 941 bp amplicons. Results showed
a significantly higher prevalence of WSSV in female shrimp (9.46%) compared to
males (5.62%), with peak infections during February and March. The findings
suggest seasonal variation in infection intensity and highlight the potential
risk posed by infected wild broodstock, particularly from areas near shrimp
farms. This underscores the urgent need for routine screening and adoption of
specific pathogen-free (SPF) broodstock to mitigate the spread of WSSV in
aquaculture systems.
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Pages:84-89
How to cite this article:
Tumpa Dey, Bidesh Naskar, Sekar Harikrishnan, Sivaranjani Ganapathy, B Deivasigamani "Prevalence of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in wild-caught Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 7, 2025, Pages 84-89
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