Open AccessCharacterization of a Novel Virus Causing a Lethal Disease in Carp and Koi
Author(s) -
Maya Ilouze,
Ar Dishon,
Moshe Kotler
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
microbiology and molecular biology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.358
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1098-5557
pISSN - 1092-2172
DOI - 10.1128/mmbr.70.1.147-156.2006
Subject(s) - biology , carp , virology , virus , zoology , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery
SUMMARY Since 1998 a lethal disease of carp and ornamental koi (Cyprinus carpio) has afflicted fisheries in North America, Europe, and Asia, causing severe economic losses to the fish farming industry. This review summarizes the isolation and identification of the disease-causing agent and describes the currently known molecular characteristics of this newly isolated virus, distinguishing it from other known large DNA viruses. In addition, we summarize the clinical and histopathological manifestations of the disease. Providing information on the immune response to this virus and evaluating the available means of diagnosis and protection should help to reduce the damage induced by this disease. This review does not discuss the economic aspects of the disease or the debate on whether the disease should be registered; both of these issues were recently reviewed in detail (O. L. M. Haenen, K. Way, S. M. Bergmann, and E. Ariel, Bull. Eur. Assoc. Fish Pathol.24: 293-307, 2004; D. Pokorova, T. Vesely, V. Piackova, S. Reschova, and J. Hulova, Vet. Med. Czech.50: 139-147, 2005).