Prevalence and Histopathology of Monodon Baculovirus (MBV) Infection in Penaeus monodon and P. indicus in Shrimp Farms in the South-East Coast of India

Abstract

A 2-year survey (1993-95) on diseases of cultured shrimp Penaeus monodon and P. indicus in shrimp farms of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh, South India, revealed a high prevalence of monodon baculovirus (MBV) infection. Secondary bacteria] and epicommensal infections were also noted in many cases. Prevalence of MBV infection was found to be as high as 42% in a few localities. Characteristic histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas and lymphoid organ are described. This is the first detailed report of MBV infection from this geographical region, and the first that reports P. indicus as a new host of this baculovirus.