Morphogenesis of koi herpesvirus observed by electron microscopy

Koi herpesvirus (KHV or cyprinid herpesvirus 3) was inoculated onto three fish cell lines derived from carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and the process of virion formation observed with electron microscopy. Essentially, similar features of virus particles were observed in all three cell lines. The nucleus of infected cells was characterized by margination of chromatin and often contained many capsids of about 110 nm in diameter with varying morphology. The morphological variation of the capsids was very similar to that of mammalian herpesviruses. Some capsids protruded from the inner nuclear membrane, and others, with envelopes, were located in the perinuclear space between the inner and outer nuclear membrane, suggesting budding of capsids at the inner nuclear membrane. Naked capsids and envelopment of capsids by budding into vesicles were also observed in the cytoplasm. Mature, enveloped virions 170-200 nm in diameter were seen in cytoplasmic vesicles or outside the cell. These observations suggest KHV virions mature through a complex morphological pathway including two distinct envelopments, which have been found only in herpesviruses. These observations support the inclusion of KHV in the family Herpesviridae.     

Distribution of the introduced cyprinid herpesvirus 3 in a wild population of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), which causes a lethal disease in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and koi, C. carpio koi , first occurred in Lake Biwa, Japan in 2004. To elucidate distribution of CyHV-3 in a wild common carp population, we conducted a PCR survey of CyHV-3 among such fish in Lake Biwa in 2006. Only 6% (1/18) of the common carp smaller than 300 mm were positive with PCR, whereas 31% (18/58) of fish larger than 300 mm were positive. To evaluate their past exposure to CyHV-3 infection based on the presence of antibodies, we also measured the levels of serum anti-CyHV-3 antibodies in the carp, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. None (0/26) of the fish smaller than 300 mm was positive for the antibodies, whereas 54% (33/61) of fish larger than 300 mm were positive. Of the antibody-positive individuals, 44% (14/32) were also positive by PCR strongly suggesting that wild common carp that survived infection become CyHV-3 carriers. Five individuals were positive by PCR but negative for antibodies indicating that their infection with CyHV-3 had occurred recently. These results suggest that transmission of CyHV-3 from carriers to naïve common carp is still occurring in Lake Biwa.     

Spatio-temporal analysis of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 genetic diversity at a local scale

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), the causative agent of koi herpesvirus disease, is a major threat for carp populations in many countries worldwide, including Indonesia. It has been shown that many genotypes circulate worldwide, all highly related to one of the two known lineages U/I and J. In this study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution of CyHV-3 strains in a small enzootic area, the lake of Cirata (West Java, Indonesia). Of the 365 samples analysed, from clinical or asymptomatic fish, 244 were found positive for CyHV-3, suggesting a high occurrence of the virus. Genotyping of these viral specimens with a range of molecular markers revealed the presence of numerous haplotypes in the host population, all related to the J lineage. In single individuals, mixed-genotype infections occurred at high frequency. The present results demonstrate that polymorphic molecular markers are suitable to monitor the genetic evolution of a viral population in an enzootic area.     

Analysing codon usage bias of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 and adaptation of this virus to the hosts

The codon usage patterns of open reading frames (ORFs) in cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) have been investigated in this study. The high correlation between GC₁₂% and GC₃% suggests that mutational pressure rather than natural selection is the main factor that determines the codon usage and base component in the CyHV‐3, while mutational pressure effect results from the high correlation between GC₃% and the first principal axis of principle component analysis (Axis 1) on the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value of the viral functional genes. However, the interaction between the absolute codon usage bias and GC₃% suggests that other selections take part in the formation of codon usage, except for the mutational pressure. It is noted that the similarity degree of codon usage between the CyHV‐3 and goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), is higher than that between the virus and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., suggesting that the goldfish plays a more important role than the common carp in codon usage pattern of the CyHV‐3. The study of codon usage in CyHV‐3 can provide some evidence about the molecular evolution of the virus. It can also enrich our understanding about the relationship between the CyHV‐3 and its hosts by analysing their codon usage patterns.     

Identification of a novel cyprinid herpesvirus 3 genotype detected in koi from the East Asian and South‐East Asian Regions

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) is a highly contagious virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality in common carp Cyprinus carpio L. and considered to be one of the most important pathogens of koi and common carp worldwide. Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 infected consignments imported from East Asian and South‐East Asian regions were identified during quarantine period in Singapore, and virus from a 2005 consignment was successfully isolated in koi fin cells. A combination of sequence analyses and duplex PCR were used to characterize 15 CyHV‐3 isolates detected in koi consignments between 2005 and 2011. Sequence analyses of the enlarged 9/5, SphI‐5 and TK gene regions identified both the Asian 1 (n = 11) and European 4 (n = 4) genotypes. Duplex PCR analysis of two variable marker regions between ORF29 and ORF30 (marker I) as well as ORF133 and its upstream region (marker II) revealed viruses of genotypes J (I⁺⁺II⁺), U/I (I⁻⁻II⁻), an intermediate genotype (I⁺⁺II⁻) and a novel genotype, I⁺⁺II^+Δ, which was identified in viruses from seven different consignments. This novel genotype has a 13‐bp deletion in marker II, while maintaining the I⁺⁺ allele of marker I. The I⁺⁺II^+Δ genotype may have emerged from East Asian and South‐East Asian regions in recent years.     

Examination of the early infection stages of koi herpesvirus (KHV) in experimentally infected carp,Cyprinus carpio L. using in situ hybridization

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes a highly infectious disease afflicting common carp and koi, Cyprinus carpio L. Various molecular and antibody‐based detection methods have been used to elucidate the rapid attachment and dissemination of the virus throughout carp tissues, facilitating ongoing development of effective diagnostic approaches. In situ hybridization (ISH) was used here to determine the target tissues of KHV during very early infection, after infecting carp with a highly virulent KHV isolate. Analysis of paraffin‐embedded tissues (i.e. gills, skin, spleen, kidney, gut, liver and brain) during the first 8 h and following 10 days post‐infection (hpi; dpi) revealed positive signals in skin mucus, gills and gut sections after only 1 hpi. Respiratory epithelial cells were positive as early as 2 hpi. Viral DNA was also detected within blood vessels of various tissues early in the infection. Notable increases in signal abundance were observed in the gills and kidney between 5 and 10 dpi, and viral DNA was detected in all tissues except brain. This study suggests that the gills and gut play an important role in the early pathogenesis of this Alloherpesvirus, in addition to skin, and demonstrates ISH as a useful diagnostic tool for confirmation of acutely infected carp.     

Susceptibility of koi × crucian carp and koi × goldfish hybrids to koi herpesvirus (KHV) and the development of KHV disease (KHVD)

Hybrids of koi, Cyprinus carpio × crucian carp, Carassius carassius and koi × goldfish, Carassius auratus, proved to be susceptible to koi herpesvirus (KHV, syn. CyHV‐3) and developed KHV disease (KHVD). While hybrids of koi × goldfish were partly resistant to mortality following infection by immersion, most koi × crucian carp hybrids died after bath infection. KHV DNA was detected in dead fish but also in all surviving animals by different polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). According to these results, hybrid crossbreeding does not seem to prevent severe losses associated with KHV in terms of inducing KHVD. The present study showed severe losses after a waterborne KHV infection of between 35% and 100% in koi × goldfish and koi × crucian carp hybrids as well as in SPF carp.     

Isolation of a cyprinid herpesvirus 2 from goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), in the UK

Haematopoietic necrosis virus [cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2)] was isolated during disease outbreaks in goldfish, Carassius auratus, at an ornamental fish retail site in southern England in 2004. Signs of disease included lethargy and inappetence and were first seen after water temperatures increased from 14-15 to 19-21 degrees C. External gross pathology included pale patches on the gills and skin and internally the spleen was enlarged, often with distinctive white nodules. The most prominent histopathological changes observed were necrotic lesions in the spleen and kidney and focal patches of necrosis in the gill lamellae. Necrotic cells often contained nuclei with marginated chromatin and pale intranuclear inclusions. Ultrastructural examination of the spleen tissue revealed typical herpesvirus-like particles measuring 100 nm in diameter. The virus was isolated from extracts of gill tissue in KF-1 cells at 20 degrees C and oligonucleotide primer sets were designed based on conserved gene sequences and used to amplify viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR assays were then used to detect the virus in DNA extracted from tissues sampled during earlier disease investigations at the retail site owner's holding facility in 2002 and 2003 and stored at -70 degrees C since then. Polymerase gene-specific PCR amplification products obtained from tissue samples and from the virus isolated in cell culture shared 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the published sequence for CyHV-2.     

Pathogenesis of acute and chronic diseases caused by cyprinid herpesvirus‐3

The pathogenesis of cyprinid herpesvirus‐3 (CyHV‐3) was studied using different lineages of carp/koi. After exposure to the virus, infected cells were first found in the skin by histopathology and by in situ hybridization. The epidermis of the skin was most severely damaged and often sloughed off in the fish sampled on days 5 through 8, and the fish that were highly sensitive to the virus died within 8 or 10 days after infection. Serum osmolality of the infected fish, particularly just before death, was significantly lower, suggesting that the osmotic shock consequent on the damage to the skin was the direct cause of the acute deaths. On the other hand, clinical and histopathological observations indicate that the carp of a less sensitive lineage most probably died of viral encephalitis around 3 weeks after infection. For these fish, the largest number of infected cells was found in the central nervous system (CNS) sampled on day 12. A substantial amount of viral genome was found in the CNS of carp surviving more than 1 year after the infection. Thus, the CNS is probably a major target for CyHV‐3, and the virus can persistently infect the CNS, presumably establishing latency.     

Ultrastructural morphogenesis of salmonid alphavirus 1

Studies on the ultrastructural morphogenesis of viruses give an insight into how the host cell mechanisms are utilized for new virion synthesis. A time course examining salmonid alphavirus 1 (SAV 1) assembly was performed by culturing the virus on Chinook salmon embryo cells (CHSE‐214). Different stages of viral replication were observed under electron microscopy. Virus‐like particles were observed inside membrane‐bound vesicles as early as 1 h following contact of the virus with the cells. Membrane‐dependent replication complexes were observed in the cytoplasm of the cells, with spherules found at the periphery of late endosome‐like vacuoles. The use of intracellular membranes for RNA replication is similar to other positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses. The number of Golgi apparatus and associated vacuoles characterized by ‘fuzzy’‐coated membranes was greater in virus‐infected cells. The mature enveloped virions started to bud out from the cells at approximately 24 h post‐infection. These observations suggest that the pathway used by SAV 1 for the generation of new virus particles in vitro is comparable to viral replication observed with mammalian alphaviruses but with some interesting differences.     

抗鲤疱疹Ⅱ型病毒卵黄抗体制备及其功能鉴定

为制备抗鲤疱疹Ⅱ型病毒(CyHV-2)的卵黄抗体,探索防治异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)鳃出血病的新方法和途径,本研究利用原核表达系统产生具免疫原性的重组CyHV-2-ORF72衣壳蛋白,纯化后免疫蛋鸡;二次免疫后采用间接ELISA法抽检免疫蛋的特异性卵黄抗体(IgY)含量,收集抗体效价...     

Rapid detection and differentiation of carp oedema virus and cyprinid herpes virus‐3 in koi and common carp

Carp oedema virus (CEV) and koi herpes virus (KHV) are of major concern to common carp breeders and koi enthusiasts worldwide. The viruses cause diseases that exhibit similar external signs; thus, it is difficult to distinguish between them clinically. In this study, we developed and optimized rapid and accurate single‐ and multiplex isothermal diagnostic tools, based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), for detection and differentiation of CEV and KHV. The assays were combined with a lateral flow dipstick to enable visual detection of amplification products and simplify post‐amplification analysis. Both CEV‐ and KHV‐RPA assays were specific for their target virus. The lower detection limits of the assays were similar to those of established diagnostic PCR tests for the viruses. A sample preparation method was optimized to eliminate the need for total DNA extraction from fish tissues. The estimated time to perform these RPA assays, from receiving the sample to having a result, is 50 min, compared to 10 and 7 hr for CEV‐ and KHV‐PCR tests, respectively. The assays can be performed in field situations to improve screening of fish and reduce spread of these viruses and thereby enhance the common carp and koi industries.     

Validation of a serum neutralization test for detection of antibodies specific to cyprinid herpesvirus 3 in infected common and koi carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) is the aetiological agent of a serious infective, notifiable disease affecting common carp and varieties. In survivors, infection is generally characterized by a subclinical latency phase with restricted viral replication. The CyHV‐3 genome is difficult to detect in such carrier fish that represent a potential source of dissemination if viral reactivation occurs. In this study, the analytical and diagnostic performance of an alternative serum neutralization (SN) method based on the detection of CyHV‐3‐specific antibodies was assessed using 151 serum or plasma samples from healthy and naturally or experimentally CyHV‐3‐infected carp. French CyHV‐3 isolate 07/108b was neutralized efficiently by sera from carp infected with European, American and Taiwanese CyHV‐3 isolates, but no neutralization was observed using sera specific to other aquatic herpesviruses. Diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and repeatability of 95.9%, 99.0% and 99.3%, respectively, were obtained, as well as a compliance rate of 89.9% in reproducibility testing. Neutralizing antibodies were steadily detected in infected carp subjected to restrictive or permissive temperature variations over more than 25 months post‐infection. The results suggest that this non‐lethal diagnostic test could be used in the future to improve the epidemiological surveillance and control of CyHV‐3 disease.     

Persistence of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 in asymptomatic goldfish Carassius auratus (L.) that survived an experimental infection

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) is the causative agent of herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis (HVHN) in goldfish, Carassius auratus, and Prussian carp, C. auratus gibelio. In this study, we investigated virus persistence in goldfish experimentally infected with CyHV‐2. Virus DNA presence in organs was monitored in survivors reared at a virus permissive temperature and also in survivors treated with a non‐permissive temperature for 4 days, initiated at three different time points post‐infection in order to obtain fish with different virus loads. We detected virus DNA in all organs tested at 51 days post‐infection (dpi) and in the spleen, trunk kidney and gills of survivors at 81 dpi, although the virus load in fish influenced the subsequent number of organs that tested positive for virus DNA. In addition, some organs dissected from four out of five asymptomatic survivors tested positive by PCR following incubation in vitro in a medium for 5 days. Following inoculation with the homogenate of PCR‐positive kidney incubated in vitro, one of the three inoculated fish died, showing that the detected virus by PCR produced infectious particles. This study suggests that CyHV‐2 can establish a persistent infection in some organs, especially the spleen and trunk kidney, and that asymptomatic surviving fish can be a source of infection.     

Antiviral activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau extract against Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 in koi (Cyprinus carpio koi)

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) or koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a virulent viral infection in common carp and koi. The disease has caused global epizootic and economic loss in fish aquaculture and in the wild. Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau is a well‐known medicinal plant used in Thai traditional medicine. Virucidal effects of the plant extract against human herpes simplex virus have been reported. In this study, C. nutans crude extract was tested for antiviral activities against CyHV‐3 in koi carp. Results showed effective antiviral activity against CyHV‐3 pre‐ and post‐infection. The 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of extract was higher than 5 mg/ml. The 50% effective dose (ED₅₀) was 0.99 mg/ml, 0.78 mg/ml, 0.75 mg/ml and 0.71 mg/ml at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr pre‐infection, respectively. The ED₅₀ from post‐infection tests was 2.05 mg/ml and 2.34 mg/ml at 0 and 24 hr, respectively. These results demonstrated that crude extract expressed antiviral activity against CyHV‐3 and can be applied as a therapeutic agent in common carp and koi aquaculture.     

鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型的理化及生物学特性和超微形态发生

为了查明鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型(Cyprinid herpesvirus 2,Cy HV-2)的理化与生物学特性以及病毒在细胞内的超微形态发生过程,利用新建立的对Cy HV-2敏感的异育银鲫脑组织细胞系(Gi CB),对Cy HV-2的理化及生物学特性进行了详细研究,比较了不同来源鱼类细胞系对Cy HV-2感染的敏感性,并对体外培养细胞中Cy HV-2病毒粒子及其超微形态发生过程进行了电镜观察。结果显示,Cy HV-2对热、酸、碱、有机溶剂和冻融敏感;常用鱼类细胞系EPC、RTG-2、Koi-Fin、CIK、CCK、PF-Fin对Cy HV-2的感染不敏感,特异性巢式PCR检测盲传至第7代Cy HV-2细胞培养物,结果均为阴性;Cy HV-2在Gi CB细胞中的增殖动态研究结果表明:病毒感染细胞经过12 h的隐晦期,24 h开始进入对数生长期,96 h病毒滴度达到最高值(107.52±0.26 TCID50/m L),然后进入平台期;透射电子显微镜观察结果显示,Cy HV-2感染细胞可分为吸附与侵入、复制与装配、成熟与释放3个主要过程,病毒进入对数生长期后,被感染细胞内可见形态典型的疱疹病毒颗粒。     

四川地区一株锦鲤疱疹病毒的分离鉴定及系统进化分析

2015年5月,四川某鲤养殖场暴发一种传染性疾病,导致鲤大面积死亡,死亡率高达80%。为研究此次疾病病因和流行规律,将病料进行解剖、细菌学检查、病理组织观察、PCR鉴定、病毒分离和系统进化分析。结果显示,发病鱼眼球凹陷,胸鳍及腹鳍出现出血斑,病鱼鳃严重坏死,肾脏肿大。细菌检查为阴性。组织病理学观察,病变最明显的是鳃和肾脏。病鱼鳃丝血管扩张充血,鳃小片呼吸上皮细胞肿胀、脱落。鳃丝基部的上皮细胞大量增生,层次增多。肾小管上皮细胞组织结构紊乱,细胞肿胀,管腔变狭小,有崩裂和坏死现象。提取病鱼的肾脏和鳃组织DNA为模板,针对世界动物卫生组织(OIE)推荐的检测锦鲤疱疹病毒(KHV)的Sph基因进行PCR检测,出现特异性扩增产物。将病鱼的肾脏和肝脏组织研磨过滤灭菌后,腹腔注射20尾健康鲤,实验组表现为急性死亡(累积死亡率为90%),出现与自然发病鱼相同的症状。将组织匀浆接种到普通鲤脑细胞系(CCB),盲传3代后可稳定地观察到典型的细胞病变。细胞培养物染色超薄切片电镜观察结果显示,病毒为有囊膜的球状,病毒粒子直径为180~200 nm。对分离株的TK基因全长序列进行系统发育分析,证实该毒株属于KHV亚洲1型毒株。本研究首次报道我国西南地区养殖鲤中KHV感染引起大面积死亡,为KHV起源进化、分类以及疾病诊断和防控提供重要依据。