No abstract

Hsp70 proteins are widely found through several species, and they are considered among the most conservative proteins in nature, in both their sequence and function. They play an important role in the response mechanism to several different kinds of stress such as temperature and pathogens among others. In some species, the variations in the sequence of the Hsp70 gene result in intra-specific differential expression, and therefore in differences in thermo-tolerance of individuals as well as other productive characteristics. The study of the potential impact of the Hsp70 gene polymorphisms represents a field of study that could greatly help the mollusk farming industry.

No abstract

The decapod penstyldensovirus (PstDV1) is a widely spread shrimp pathogen that causes high mortalities in the shrimp Penaeus stylirostris, while in P. vannamei, it has been associated with induction of the runt deformity syndrome. Using shrimp post-larvae (PL, stages PL13-PL21) collected from 16 commercial hatcheries from Mexico, and a sensitive PCR protocol for its detection, a survey of the PstDV1 prevalence in larvae was undertaken. A high overall prevalence of PstDV1 (49.5 %) in shrimp PL from the studied hatcheries was found. This study reveals that PstDV1 occurs persistently in PL populations, which may have significant implications for its dispersal.