Differentiation between Cyprinid herpesvirus type-3 lineages using duplex PCR

Development of a lateral flow immuno-chromatic strip assay for the detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3)

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is the main pathogen of koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), which has caused serious damage to the ornamental and food-producing carp industry. Effective and rapid on-site detection methods are needed for early diagnosis of CyHV-3. A lateral flow immuno-chromatographic assay (LFIA) using two specific anti-CyHV-3 monoclonal antibodies has been developed and validated for on-site detection of CyHV-3. MAb 3C9 was used to bio-conjugate CyHV-3 antigen with colloidal gold, and MAb 2A8 was used to capture antigen bound colloidal gold on the test line. The control line was lined with goat anti-mouse IgG to capture unbound colloidal gold to validate performance. The test results can be viewed within 10 min after putting the strip into CyHV-3 virus infection fluid. The lowest limit of detection for the LFIA test was found to be 1.5 × 104 copies/μL and it showed no cross-reactivity with other fish viral pathogens. The specificity of the strip was 100% when spleen and kidney tissues of CyHV-3-infected and healthy koi were validated at the field level. The LFIA strip will be an effective device for the early detection of CyHV-3 in the future.

Mass mortality associated with koi herpesvirus in common carp in Iraq

Koi herpesvirus disease is a serious disease affecting both wild and common carp species in different continents throughout the world. Based on pathological and molecular findings, we document the presence of koi herpesvirus disease in Iraq as a cause of mass mortality among the common carp of the Tigris river. On a macroscopic level, the fish exhibited variably sized skin ulcerations throughout the entire trunk. The gills showed variable degrees of discoloration with an increased amount of slimy mucus. Microscopically, degeneration and necrosis with infiltration of a heterogenous population of inflammatory cells characterized different organs, primarily the skin and gills, with occasional intranuclear inclusion bodies that are consistent with koi herpesvirus disease. A semi-nested PCR assay coupled with sequencing confirmed the pathological diagnosis. Genotyping and sequence analysis of the TK gene, ORF 136 and markers I and II identified the isolated CyHV-3 as variant A1 of the Asian genotype TUSMT1 (J strain) displaying the I⁺⁺II⁺ allele.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) transmission and outbreaks in Iran: Detection and characterization in farmed common carp

This study shows the presence of Cyprinid Herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from Iranian carp farms with cumulative mortality up to 80% during 2015-2016. Pathological signs of disease such as gill necrosis, sunken eyes, and increased slime secretion on the skin and fins were observed in affected fish. The extensive fusion of secondary lamellae with necrotic cells, margination of chromatin, and formation of intranuclear inclusion bodies in gill tissues were also observed by histopathological examination. Most tubular epithelial cells and some hematopoietic cells showed intranuclear inclusion bodies in the kidney. The Iranian CyHV-3 isolates showed identity with Asian strains, and displayed the I⁺⁺ II⁺ allele of the Asian lineage, as revealed by sequence analysis of the TK gene, Marker I, and Marker II. The detected isolates were also similar to those detected from koi in the same region of Iran, suggesting the probable transmission of CyHV-3 from ornamental to farmed cyprinids. This represents the first report of CyHV-3 from Iranian farmed common carp to the best of our knowledge.

Carp Edema Virus and Cyprinid Herpesvirus-3 Coinfection is Associated with Mass Mortality of Koi (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) in the Republic of Korea

As koi and common carp gain importance in the Korean fish industry, the need for better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of associated diseases has increased. In June 2019, the first known case of mass mortality involving cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) and the second involving carp edema virus (CEV) occurred in a koi farm in Jeolla-do, Korea. Notably, the CEV exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with certain CEV strains originating from Poland, Germany, and India than with strains originating from China or Japan. Epidemiological studies and detailed surveillance and control for CEV and CyHV-3 are needed along with quarantine inspections.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) and KHV disease (KHVD) - a recently updated overview

Over the last years, there has been an enormous increase in the knowledge on koi herpesvirus (KHV), koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), pathogenesis and virus variants. Different KHV lineages have clearly been identified, possible genomic changes during replication in different cell cultures at different temperatures but also in several hosts have been identified, a persistent stage of infection has been specified and it has been shown that infection with KHV is not host specific at all, but KHVD is. Additionally, it has been shown that it is possible to combat KHVD by immunization with inactivated and attenuated live vaccines using different delivery systems but also to benefit from alternative treatments with e.g. exopolysaccharids obtained from Arthrospira platensis.

Genetic Diversity of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3 from Different Geographical Locations during 1999-2019 in the United States of America

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3, also known as koi herpesvirus (KHV), is an important pathogen in common and koi carp Cyprinus carpio, varieties. Two main genotypes of KHV have been reported worldwide that are associated with Asian and European origins. In the USA, outbreaks of KHV diseases have been reported in different states since the early 1990s; however, the diversity of KHV is unknown. In the current study, 67 DNA samples that were extracted from clinical cases of koi tissues that were submitted for diagnosis during KHV outbreaks from 10 different states in the USA from 1999 to 2019 were used to investigate their genetic diversity. The thymidine kinase gene was amplified, sequenced, and used for phylogenetic analysis. Our results showed that the KHV isolates that were collected from the different states were clustered in the two known KHV genogroups, where 31 isolates belonged to the Asian genotype branch and 36 to the European genotype branch. The spatiotemporal analysis demonstrated fluctuation of KHV genotypes in the USA, as the main KHV genotype that was detected in koi in the USA from 1999 to 2013 was the European genotype, whereas the Asian KHV genotype appeared to emerge in the USA in 2008, increasing in incidence until 2019. The current study provides evidence on the genetic diversity of KHV in the USA. Future studies that evaluate the virulence of these genetically diverse isolates is warranted to obtain a better understanding of the epidemiology of this re-emerging pathogen. This may provide an improved awareness of the current status of KHV and help to control the disease in the koi population in the USA.

First detection of koi herpesvirus and carp oedema virus in Iraq associated with a mass mortality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

At the end of October 2018, a mass fish mortality occurred in Iraq, involving thousands of tons of cultured and wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio) along Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Fish were found dead or moribund along rivers coasts, showing lethargy, dyspnoea and flared gills. At necropsy, discoloration patches were noticed on the gills. Wet preparations showed rare metacercariae and Dactylogyrus spp. Samples were subjected to bacteriological tests and virological investigation through real-time PCR and nested PCR. Both were positive for koi herpesvirus (KHV) and carp oedema virus. Results obtained were confirmed by the OIE reference laboratory of KHV disease (KHVD) at Cefas (UK) and by sequence analysis. This is the first report on the detection of both viruses in Iraq.

Genomic and biologic comparisons of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 strains

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is the archetypal fish alloherpesvirus and the etiologic agent of a lethal disease in common and koi carp. To date, the genome sequences of only four CyHV-3 isolates have been published, but no comparisons of the biologic properties of these strains have been reported. We have sequenced the genomes of a further seven strains from various geographical sources, and have compared their growth in vitro and virulence in vivo. The major findings were: (i) the existence of the two genetic lineages previously described as European and Asian was confirmed, but inconsistencies between the geographic origin and genotype of some strains were revealed; (ii) potential inter-lineage recombination was detected in one strain, which also suggested the existence of a third, as yet unidentified lineage; (iii) analysis of genetic disruptions led to the identification of non-essential genes and their potential role in virulence; (iv) comparison of the in vitro and in vivo properties of strains belonging to the two lineages revealed that inter-lineage polymorphisms do not contribute to the differences in viral fitness observed; and (v) a negative correlation was observed among strains between viral growth in vitro and virulence in vivo. This study illustrates the importance of coupling genomic and biologic comparisons of viral strains in order to enhance understanding of viral evolution and pathogenesis.

Validation of a KHV antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes KHV disease (KHVD). The virus is highly contagious in carp or koi and can induce a high mortality. Latency and, in some cases, a lack of signs presents a challenge for virus detection. Appropriate immunological detection methods for anti-KHV antibodies have not yet been fully validated for KHV. Therefore, it was developed and validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect KHV antibodies. The assay was optimized with respect to plates, buffers, antigens and assay conditions. It demonstrated high diagnostic and analytical sensitivity and specificity and was particularly useful at the pond or farm levels. Considering the scale of the carp and koi industry worldwide, this assay represents an important practical tool for the indirect detection of KHV, also in the absence of clinical signs.

Importation of CyHV-2-infected goldfish into the Netherlands

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is known as the causative agent of herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis in goldfish Carassius auratus auratus. However, the virus has also been detected in Prussian carp C. gibelio and crucian carp C. carassius from European and Asian countries. To prevent spread of the causative virus to other areas, investigation of the risk factors of spread of this virus is important. In this study, 8 batches of goldfish imported into the Netherlands by airfreight from Asia and the Middle East were investigated for the presence of the virus. CyHV-2 DNA was detected by PCR in the pooled kidneys of 4 of the 8 imported goldfish batches, of which 1 was from a CyHV-2 disease case at a Dutch importer's quarantine facility. Sequence analysis of the CyHV-2 strains from this study and from previous reports showed that there were at least 6 different lengths in the mA region, resulting in tentatively at least 4 genotypes. Virus isolation was positive for only 1 (Amsterdam Schiphol-1 [AMS-1]) of the 8 samples. It was shown that the AMS-1 isolate was highly virulent to Ryukin goldfish after 100.3 TCID50 fish-1 intraperitoneal injection. The viral titre of the AMS-1 isolate for goldfish fin cells at several temperatures was similar to that of a Japanese CyHV-2 isolate. Our results prove that one of the routes of spread of various CyHV-2 strains is through the global trade of apparently healthy infected goldfish.

Genetic Variability of Koi Herpesvirus In vitro-A Natural Event?

Worldwide koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes high mortalities in Cyprinus carpio L. aquaculture. So far, it is unknown how the different variants of KHV have developed and how they spread in the fish, but also in the environmental water bodies. Therefore, a phylogenetic method based on variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) was improved to gain deeper insights into the phylogeny of KHV and its possible worldwide distribution. Moreover, a VNTR-3 qPCR was designed which allows fast virus typing. This study presents a useful method for molecular tracing of diverse KHV types, variants, and lineages.

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.

Diagnostic validation of three test methods for detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3)

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is the aetiological agent of koi herpesvirus disease in koi and common carp. The disease is notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Three tests-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), conventional PCR (cPCR) and virus isolation by cell culture (VI)-were validated to assess their fitness as diagnostic tools for detection of CyHV-3. Test performance metrics of diagnostic accuracy were sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp). Repeatability and reproducibility were measured to assess diagnostic precision. Estimates of test accuracy, in the absence of a gold standard reference test, were generated using latent class models. Test samples originated from wild common carp naturally exposed to CyHV-3 or domesticated koi either virus free or experimentally infected with the virus. Three laboratories in Canada participated in the precision study. Moderate to high repeatability (81 to 99%) and reproducibility (72 to 97%) were observed for the qPCR and cPCR tests. The lack of agreement observed between some of the PCR test pair results was attributed to cross-contamination of samples with CyHV-3 nucleic acid. Accuracy estimates for the PCR tests were 99% for DSe and 93% for DSp. Poor precision was observed for the VI test (4 to 95%). Accuracy estimates for VI/qPCR were 90% for DSe and 88% for DSp. Collectively, the results show that the CyHV-3 qPCR test is a suitable tool for surveillance, presumptive diagnosis and certification of individuals or populations as CyHV-3 free.

First detection of koi herpesvirus from koi, Cyprinus carpio L. experiencing mass mortalities in Iran: clinical, histopathological and molecular study

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is the aetiological agent of an emerging disease (KHVD) associated with mass mortalities in koi and common carp and reported from at least 30 countries. We report the first detection of KHV from koi in Iran using clinical, histopathological and molecular studies. KHV-infected fish showed reduced swimming activity, sunken eyes and increased mucus production on skin and fins. On post-mortem examination, gill necrosis was observed in the majority of fish. Histopathologically, the gill showed diffuse necrosis of the branchial epithelial cells. Margination of chromatin was detected in gills, kidney, heart, spleen, intestine and brain. In addition, sequence analyses of the TK gene, ORF 136 and marker I and II, demonstrates that Iranian KHV isolates were identical and classified as variant A1 of TUSMT1 (J strain) and displayed the I(++) II(+) allele of this Asian genotype.

Targeted genomic enrichment and sequencing of CyHV-3 from carp tissues confirms low nucleotide diversity and mixed genotype infections

Koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) is an emerging disease that causes mass mortality in koi and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Its causative agent is Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), also known as koi herpesvirus (KHV). Although data on the pathogenesis of this deadly virus is relatively abundant in the literature, still little is known about its genomic diversity and about the molecular mechanisms that lead to such a high virulence. In this context, we developed a new strategy for sequencing full-length CyHV-3 genomes directly from infected fish tissues. Total genomic DNA extracted from carp gill tissue was specifically enriched with CyHV-3 sequences through hybridization to a set of nearly 2 million overlapping probes designed to cover the entire genome length, using KHV-J sequence (GenBank accession number AP008984) as reference. Applied to 7 CyHV-3 specimens from Poland and Indonesia, this targeted genomic enrichment enabled recovery of the full genomes with >99.9% reference coverage. The enrichment rate was directly correlated to the estimated number of viral copies contained in the DNA extracts used for library preparation, which varied between ∼5000 and ∼2×10⁷. The average sequencing depth was >200 for all samples, thus allowing the search for variants with high confidence. Sequence analyses highlighted a significant proportion of intra-specimen sequence heterogeneity, suggesting the presence of mixed infections in all investigated fish. They also showed that inter-specimen genetic diversity at the genome scale was very low (>99.95% of sequence identity). By enabling full genome comparisons directly from infected fish tissues, this new method will be valuable to trace outbreaks rapidly and at a reasonable cost, and in turn to understand the transmission routes of CyHV-3.

First detection of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) in goldfish (Carassius auratus) in France

Massive mortalities of Carassius auratus (L.) occurred in a farm in France during summer 2014. Fish presented anorexia, loss of scales and large amounts of mucus on the gills. Necrosis of the distal tip of the filament and the lamellae, combined with fusion of the lamellae, was observed, as well as necrosis in the hematopoietic organs and in the digestive tract. The histological examination led to hypothesize the implication of a virus in the mortality. The presence of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) in dead fish was demonstrated by amplification and sequencing of portions of the DNA polymerase and helicase genes, both sequences exhibiting 100% identity with CyHV-2 from Japan. In an attempt to find genetic markers of variation, two regions containing tandem repeats in the Japanese genome were amplified from a virus-positive sample from the present outbreak. A first region (mB) was fully identical to the Japanese isolate. However, the second region (mA) exhibited a range of deletions and substitutions compared to CyHV-2 from Japan. This is the first report of CyHV-2 in France in association with mortality of goldfish and the first identification of a molecular marker for its tracing.

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.

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.

Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3: An Archetype of Fish Alloherpesviruses

The order Herpesvirales encompasses viruses that share structural, genetic, and biological properties. However, members of this order infect hosts ranging from molluscs to humans. It is currently divided into three phylogenetically related families. The Alloherpesviridae family contains viruses infecting fish and amphibians. There are 12 alloherpesviruses described to date, 10 of which infect fish. Over the last decade, cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) infecting common and koi carp has emerged as the archetype of fish alloherpesviruses. Since its first description in the late 1990s, this virus has induced important economic losses in common and koi carp worldwide. It has also had negative environmental implications by affecting wild carp populations. These negative impacts and the importance of the host species have stimulated studies aimed at developing diagnostic and prophylactic tools. Unexpectedly, the data generated by these applied studies have stimulated interest in CyHV-3 as a model for fundamental research. This review intends to provide a complete overview of the knowledge currently available on CyHV-3.

Expression of immune-related genes of common carp during cyprinid herpesvirus 3 infection

Fish herpesviruses and their hosts may have coevolved for 400 to 450 million yr. During this coexistence, the hosts have equipped themselves with an elaborate immune system to defend themselves from invading viruses, whereas the viruses have developed strategies to evade host immunity, including the expression of cytokine genes that have been captured from the host. Taking advantage of our experimental model for cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) persistence in carp, we studied the gene expression of host and virus immune-related genes in each stage of infection: acute, persistent and reactivation phases. IFNγ-1, IFNγ-2, IL-12 and IL-10 host genes, and the CyHV-3 vIL-10 gene (khvIL-10) were highly significantly up-regulated in different phases of CyHV-3 infection. Similarly, host IL-1β was up-regulated in the acute phase of CyHV-3 infection. There was no significant difference in the expression of host TNFα-1 and MHC-II genes during all phases of CyHV-3 infection. Based on the expression profile of carp immune-related genes in each stage of CyHV-3 infection, we propose a possible interaction between carp IL-12, carp IL-10 and khvIL-10 during the course of viral infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the expression of cytokine genes during all phases (acute, persistent and reactivation) of CyHV-3 infection.

Whole-genome sequence of a novel Chinese cyprinid herpesvirus 3 isolate reveals the existence of a distinct European genotype in East Asia

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV3), also known as koi herpesvirus (KHV), can be subdivided primarily into European and Asian genotypes, which are represented by CyHV3-U or CyHV3-I and CyHV3-J, respectively. In this study, the whole genome sequence of a novel Chinese CyHV3 isolate (GZ11) was determined and annotated. CyHV3-GZ11 genome was found to contain 295,119 nucleotides with 52.9% G/C content, which is highly similar to those of published CyHV3-U, CyHV3-I, and CyHV3-J strains. With reference to CyHV3-U, CyHV3-I, and CyHV3-J, CyHV3-GZ11 was also classified into 164 open reading frames (ORF), which include eight repeated ORFs. On the basis of the 12 alloherpeviruses core genes, results from phylogenetic analysis showed that CyHV3-GZ11 had closer evolutionary relationships with CyHV3-U and CyHV3-I than with CyHV3/KHV-J, which were also supported by genome wide-based single nucleotide substitution analysis and the use of a series of developed molecular markers. This study was the first to reveal the presence of a distinct European CyHV3 genotype in East and Southeast Asia at a whole genome level, which will evoke new insights on exploring the origin, evolution, and epidemiology of the virus.

Detection of koi herpesvirus (KHV) in healthy cyprinid seed stock

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease is a lethal disease in common carp, an important food fish in Asian countries, the seed of which is used in restocking programs for freshwater fishery management. We inspected apparently healthy seed stock of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. and Siberian crucian carp Carassius auratus for the presence of KHV using PCR-based diagnostic tests as a part of a stock enhancement program from 2009 to 2010 in Korea. Consequently, KHV was detected from 24 of 232 inspections with yearly detection percentages of 5.2% in 2009 and 15.5% in 2010 using PCR primer sets for TK or SphI-5 as recommended by the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals. Results indicate that the SphI-5 primer set was slightly more sensitive than the TK primer set, as shown by a higher detection rate. To determine the genotype of the KHV strains detected in this study, ORF40-specific PCR amplification was conducted, and the PCR products from 6 samples showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity with a Japanese strain (GenBank accession number AP008984) but not with US (DG657948) and Israeli strains (DG177346). This report conclusively demonstrated the presence of KHV in externally healthy seed of common carp and Siberian crucian carp, indicating a possible risk that subclinically infected seed stock can be released with a potential threat to wild populations.

Detection of novel strains of cyprinid herpesvirus closely related to koi herpesvirus

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) or koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a devastating virus of carp. Using generic primers for the DNA polymerase and the major capsid protein genes of cyprinid herpesviruses, nucleotide sequences divergent from previously described CyHV-3 were obtained. At least 3 novel groups of putative CyHV-3-like viruses were identified, sharing 95 to 98% nucleotide identity with CyHV-3 strains. Carp carrying the CyHV-3 variants did not show clinical signs consistent with CyHV-3 infection and originated from locations with no actual CyHV-3 outbreaks. These strains might represent low- or non-pathogenic variants of CyHV-3.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3: an interesting virus for applied and fundamental research

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), a member of the family Alloherpesviridae is the causative agent of a lethal, highly contagious and notifiable disease in common and koi carp. The economic importance of common and koi carp industries together with the rapid spread of CyHV-3 worldwide, explain why this virus became soon after its isolation in the 1990s a subject of applied research. In addition to its economic importance, an increasing number of fundamental studies demonstrated that CyHV-3 is an original and interesting subject for fundamental research. In this review, we summarized recent advances in CyHV-3 research with a special interest for studies related to host-virus interactions.

Epidemiology of cyprinid herpesvirus-3 infection in latently infected carp from aquaculture

Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3, koi herpesvirus, KHV) is the causative agent of an economically important disease in carp. The mode of transmission of this virus, especially how the infectious agent is introduced into ponds de novo, is not known in detail. The aim of this study was to investigate the shedding of CyHV-3 from fish with latent infections, under aquaculture conditions. Ponds in Saxony, Germany, with latently infected carp were examined at different times during the production cycle to investigate the influence of fish farming procedures on virus activation and shedding. Carp and water samples were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Some of the latently infected carp shed CyHV-3. Virus shedding was induced mainly when the ponds were drained and the carp either harvested or moved to different ponds, and was independent of the water temperature. This indicated that during these times there was a risk that effluent water from the ponds could disseminate the infectious agent. During summer, on-growing carp are infected with low numbers of CyHV-3. These findings are important for disease management strategies in carp aquaculture and for the design of testing protocols for the detection of latent infection in carp populations.

CyHV-3: the third cyprinid herpesvirus

Common carp (including ornamental koi carp) Cyprinus carpio L. are ecologically and economically important freshwater fish in Europe and Asia. C. carpio have recently been endangered by a third cyprinid herpesvirus, known as cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3), the etiological agent of koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), which causes significant morbidity and mortality in koi and common carp. Clinical and pathological signs include epidermal abrasions, excess mucus production, necrosis of gill and internal organs, and lethargy. KHVD has decimated major carp populations in Israel, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the USA, and has been listed as a notifiable disease in Germany since 2005, and by the World Organisation for Animal Health since 2007. KHVD is exacerbated in aquaculture because of the relatively high host stocking density, and CyHV-3 may be concentrated by filter-feeding aquatic organisms. CyHV-3 is taxonomically grouped within the family Alloherpesviridae, can be propagated in a number of cell lines, and is active at a temperature range of 15 to 28°C. Three isolates originating from Japan (KHV-J), USA (KHV-U), and Israel (KHV-I) have been sequenced. CyHV-3 has a 295 kb genome with 156 unique open reading frames and replicates in the cell nucleus, and mature viral particles are 170 to 200 nm in diameter. CyHV-3 can be detected by multiple PCR-based methods and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Several modes of immunization have been developed for KHVD; however, fish immunized with either vaccine or wild-type virus may become carriers for CyHV-3. There is no current treatment for KHVD.

Evidence for two koi herpesvirus (KHV) genotypes in South Korea

The geographic distribution of koi herpesvirus (KHV) has recently been analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, based on the alleles of 3 domains) and sequence analysis using 3 regions of KHV genomic DNA (SphI-5, 9/5, and the thymidine kinase gene). In this study, samples from 6 carp showing symptoms of KHV infection in 2008 were examined for the presence of KHV by using PCR and cell culture isolation methods. KHV was detected in 2 (Pyeongtaek and Buan) of the samples. Sequence analysis revealed that the genotype of the KHV PT-08 isolate was Asia genotype variant 1 (A1), and the genotype of the KHV BA-08 isolate was European genotype variant 4 (E4). In addition, PCR patterns and sequence analysis based on the alleles of 3 domains of an alternate KHV classification system confirmed that the genotype of the KHV PT-08 isolate was CyHV3-J, and the genotype of the KHV BA-08 isolate was CyHV3-third genotype. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the presence of 2 genotypes of KHV (genotype A1/CyHV3-J; genotype E4/CyHV3-third genotype) in South Korea.

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.

Koi herpes virus: a review and risk assessment of Indian aquaculture

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a widely cultivated freshwater fish for human consumption, while koi carp, is a farmed colored sub species of common carp used for ornamental purposes. Since 1998, both common carp and koi carp are severely affected by a viral disease called as Koi herpes virus disease (KHVD). This disease is caused by Koi herpes virus (KHV), also known as cyprinid herpes virus-3. The virus causes interstitial nephritis and gill necrosis in carps, so it is also termed as carp interstitial nephritis and gill necrosis virus. KHV is a double stranded icosahedral DNA virus belonging to family Alloherpesviridae, with a genome size of 295 kbp, larger than any member of Herpesviridae. The viral genome encodes 156 potential protein coding open reading frames. Each virion consists of forty structural proteins, which are classified as capsid (3), envelope (13), tegument (2) and unclassified (22) structural proteins. Diagnosis of KHVD is mainly based on detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers or loop mediated isothermal amplification. Temperature dependent latent infection is unique to KHV; and carrier fish are often not detected, thereby possibly resulting in spread of this pathogen to newer areas. The disease is now known to occur in, or has been recorded from at least 26 different countries of the world. Fortunately, KHVD has not been reported from India or from Indian major carps. To monitor the disease status of the country, a total of 254 fish samples collected from different parts of India were screened by PCR for the presence of KHV. None of the tested samples were found to be positive for KHV. These results demonstrate that tested samples from different parts of India were apparently free from KHV. Preliminary risk assessment of KHV suggest that in the event of unrestricted importation of koi carps into our country, there is a higher probability of risk to aquaculture as compared to natural waters. So there is strong need to develop diagnostic capabilities and launch surveillance programmes for KHV in India.

Generation and characterization of koi herpesvirus recombinants lacking viral enzymes of nucleotide metabolism

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes a fatal disease in koi and common carp, but no reliable and genetically characterized vaccines are available up to now. Therefore, we generated KHV recombinants possessing deletions within the viral ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), thymidine kinase (TK), dUTPase, or TK and dUTPase genes, and their corresponding rescuants. All KHV mutants were replication competent in cultured cells. Whereas plaque sizes and titers of RNR-negative KHV were reduced, replication of the other mutants was not affected. Experimental infection of carp indicated attenuation of TK- or dUTPase-deleted KHV, and PCR analysis of tissue samples permitted differentiation of mutant from wild-type virus.

Isolation and characterization of koi herpesvirus (KHV) from Indonesia: identification of a new genetic lineage

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is the aetiological agent of an emerging disease (KHVD) associated with mass mortalities in koi and common carp and reported from at least 30 countries. We report the first isolation of KHV from koi and common carp in Indonesia and initial characterization of the isolates. Clinical signs, histopathology and virion morphology are similar to those of isolates from other countries. Phylogenetic analyses using the thymidine kinase gene amplified from each isolate and from carp tissue samples collected from KHVD outbreaks throughout Indonesia indicated that the Indonesian isolates are more closely related to the Asian than the European KHV lineage. Sequence analysis of two other variable regions between ORF29 and ORF31 (marker I) and near the start of ORF 133 (marker II) indicated that all Indonesian isolates displayed a marker I allele (I(++)) previously identified only in isolates of the Asian lineage. However, in the marker II region, all Indonesian isolates displayed the II(-) allele, which has been reported previously only amongst isolates of the European lineage, and nine of these displayed a mixed genotype (II(+)II(-)). The I(++)II(-) genotype has not been reported previously and appears to represent a new intermediate lineage that may have emerged in Indonesia.