Detection of yellowhead virus and Chinese baculovirus in penaeid shrimp by the Western blot technique.

The continuing threat posed by viral diseases in cultured shrimp calls for the development of detection technologies for monitoring the animals, especially broodstock. Two of the most highly pathogenic viruses of penaeid shrimp are the yellow-head virus (YHV) and Chinese baculovirus (CBV, also called white spot baculovirus). A Western blot (WB) protocol capable of detecting YHV and CBV in the hemolymph of infected shrimp was developed. The use of the hemolymph as material for virus detection allowed for sample collection without sacrificing the animals. This protocol was highly specific, rapid, and sensitive enough to detect the presence of the viruses before the appearance of overt symptoms. It was also useful for demonstrating the growth of both viruses in primary shrimp lymphoid cell cultures.