Molecular characterization of lymphocystis disease virus in Indian glass fish: first report from the Andaman Islands.

Here, we report the first detection of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in Indian glass fish in the Andaman Islands, India. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of whitish clusters of nodules on the fish's skin, fins, and eyes. The histopathology of the nodules revealed typical hypertrophied fibroblasts. Molecular characterization of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of the virus showed a significant resemblance to known LCDV sequences from Korea and Iran, with 98.92% and 97.85% sequence identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the MCP gene sequence of the virus belonged to genotype V. This study represents the first documented case of LCDV in finfish from the Andaman Islands, emphasizing the necessity for continued monitoring and research on the health of aquatic species in this fragile ecosystem.

Investigation and confirmation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in wild caught penaeid shrimps of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the most prevalent, widespread and devastating pathogen associated with shrimp population. The present study was aimed at screening the wild caught shrimps from Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) for WSSV infection. Shrimp samples of different penaeid species including Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, Penaeus merguiensis and Metapenaeus monoceros collected from nine different landing centers across the coast of ANI were screened for WSSV infection. Presence of white spots, a typical clinical sign of white spot disease was observed on the exoskeleton of WSSV infected shrimp samples. Out of 241 shrimp samples, 39 samples of P. monodon were found positive for WSSV by nested PCR. Histopathological examination revealed eosinophilic to basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in gill tissue which are typical characteristics of WSSV infection. Nucleotide sequence of WSSV isolated from ANI showed 100% identity to the sequences of WSSV reported from Thailand, Taiwan, China, Egypt, Mexico, Korea, France and 99% identity to WSSV reported from India. The detection of WSSV in wild P. monodon of ANI further confirms the virus spread and biogeography.