title: PCR-based detection of white spot syndrome virus in cultured and captured crustaceans in India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The occurrence and distribution of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) among cultured and captured penaeid shrimps and crustaceans in the east coast of India was determined from November 1999 to April 2002 using PCR as a diagnostic tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 630 cultured samples consisting of 280 postlarvae collected from nine different hatcheries and 350 juvenile shrimps (40-60-day-old) collected from 18 different culture ponds were screened for WSSV. Of these cultured samples tested 53% were found to be single-step PCR positive. A total of 419 samples of captured crustaceans viz., Penaeus monodon brooders, P. indicus juveniles, Metapenaeus spp., crab Scylla serrata and Squilla mantis were also screened for WSSV by PCR, 23% of them were infected with WSSV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study concluded that WSSV could be widespread in cultured and captured shrimps and other crustaceans in India.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that PCR screening of WSSV infection and rejection of infected stocks greatly assists shrimp aquaculture farmers for successful production and harvest.
authors: Department of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Building, University of Madras, Chennai, India. bvaseeharan@yahoo.com
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Vaseeharan
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Jayakumar
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Ramasamy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003386:Brachyura / Q000821:virology*; D004267:DNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007194:India; D033561:Penaeidae / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*