Haematological Alterations in Penaeus monodon Artificially Infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

Abstract

The present study examined the haematological alterations occurring in Penaeus monodon infected with white spot syndrome virus, a major havoc causing organism in aquaculture of Asian countries. White spot disease was developed by injecting white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) inoculum into the fourth abdominal segment of P. monodon. Morphological changes observed were very much similar to those developed during natural infections of WSSV. Clotting time, total haemocyte count, (THC), protein content, glucose and creatinine concentrations and albumin/globulin ratio in haemolymph of normal saline - injected and virus – infected P. monodon were monitored at 0, 24 and 48h after injection. In the WSSV injected shrimp, clotting ability was completely lost. A drastic THC reduction of 45% at 24h and 76% at 48h post infection was also observed. Twenty-five and 45% of reduction in haemolymph protein was noted at 24 and 48h, respectively. Haemolymph glucose level was reduced to 31% and creatinine to 12.6% of the original values by 48h post injection. Haemolymph globulin content increased and albumin content decreased significantly, reducing the albumin/globulin ratio. The ratio was reduced to 49% of its original value. The results of the present investigation indicate that WSSV infection induced significant alterations in the haematology of P. monodon.