USGS · 70170675
Susceptibility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to a model pathogen, spring viremia of carp virus
Abstract
To improve our understanding of the genetic basis of fish disease, we developed a pathogen model, using zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) and spring virema of carp virus (SVCV). Replicate groups of 10 fish were acclimated to 20 or 24°C, then were exposed to SVCV concentrations of 10 3 to 10 5 plaque-forming units per milliliter (PFU/ml) of water and observed daily. In a second trial, fish were acclimated to 15°C, and replicate groups of 10 fish were exposed to SVCV at a concentration of 10 5 PFU/ml; however, the temperature was raised 1°C/wk. Moribund fish were collected for histologic examination, and dead fish were assayed for virus by use of cell culture and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Mortality exceeded 50% in fish exposed to 10 5 PFU of SVCV/ml at the lower temperatures. Clinical signs of disease became evident seven days after viral exposure and were observed most consistently in fish of the 10 5 PFU/ml groups. Affected zebrafish were anorectic and listless, with epidermal petechial hemorrhages followed by death. Use of plaque assays and RT-PCR analysis confirmed presence of SVCV at titers ≥ 10 4 PFU/g of tissue. Histologic lesions included multifocal brachial necrosis and melanomacrophage proliferation in gills, liver, and kidneys. These results indicate that zebrafish are susceptible to infection by SVCV under conditions that mimic a natural route of exposure.
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George E. Sanders, William N. Batts, James R. Winton. 2003. Susceptibility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to a model pathogen, spring viremia of carp virus. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70170675
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