A group of researchers from Chittagong University and three institutions have discovered the genome structure of the devastating white spot virus of shrimp in the country and identified a new variant. Shrimp is now the country’s second-largest source of export. White spot syndrome virus is one of the enemies of the shrimp, and within 3-7 days of exposure to this virus, all the shrimps in that area die. There was no specific antidote or vaccine for this virus before.

One of the reasons behind this is that no information is known about the genome of this virus in Bangladesh. A new variant responsible for the widespread outbreak of this virus has recently been seen in the country, and it has been determined for the first time by a researcher at Chittagong University by uncovering the genome sequence of the white spot syndrome virus in Cox’s Bazar and Satkhira Districts.

By sequencing the genome, they discovered that Bangladesh currently has a completely new variant of the virus that differs from India, Taiwan, Thailand and other countries and has a much more distinct genomic structure.

The main objective of this study was to identify the type of white spot syndrome virus in Bangladesh, identify its characteristic features and variations through its genome sequence, and uncover the mystery of which toxic protein or gene of this virus plays a key role in the infection and death of fish.

From the results of this research, fishermen will be able to know the source of this virus and how it spreads. These data can later be key in prevention strategy planning and vaccine development.

1280 new mutations or gene variations have been found in Bangladesh. It is believed that the reasons for this gene variation are climate, water characteristics, salinity and geographical location of the country. The prevalence of this virus is higher in Cox’s Bazar than in Satkhira. From 2021 to 2023, this study showed that the prevalence of the virus is highest in June-July in the country, and 35 per cent are found in hatcheries or breeding areas.”

Read the whole article: https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01211-23