Genomic sequencing of ISKNV (infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus) isolated from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from fish farms in the state of São Paulo - Brazil

• Grant number: 23/14812-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Cláudia Maris Ferreira Mostério
• Grantee: Cláudia Maris Ferreira Mostério
• Principal researcher abroad: Thomas Barclay Waltzek
• Institution abroad: Washington State University (WSU), United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesca. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Vander Bruno dos Santos
• Associated research grant: 21/13051-9 - Detection and characterization of current strains of ISKNV (Infectious necrosis virus of spleen and kidney), through phenotypic and molecular methods, AP.R

Abstract

Farmed fish production in Brazil has been growing at an average rate of 5.5% per year since 2017, with Nile tilapia standing out, reaching around 550 tons by 2022. However, highly virulent pathogens have emerged in fish farms in the South and Southeast regions, resulting in significant economic losses. In 2021, the infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) was officially reported in Brazil. This virus belongs to the Iridoviridae Family and causes outbreaks in Nile tilapia in several countries, although it is not notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Differences in regional ISKNV strains indicate genetic alterations and variable virulence. The aim of this SPRINT exchange proposal is to discuss this possibility and propose actions that will enable new studies to be carried out, taking into account virulence genes and the possible development of a vaccine. This step will be essential for the mitigation of ISKNV in Brazil, and will collaborate with the aquaculture production sector, bringing economic prosperity back to this sector of Brazilian agribusiness. (AU)