Herpesviruses that Infect Fish

Abstract

Herpesviruses are host specific pathogens that are widespread among vertebrates. Genome sequence data demonstrate that most herpesviruses of fish and amphibians are grouped together (family Alloherpesviridae) and are distantly related to herpesviruses of reptiles, birds and mammals (family Herpesviridae). Yet, many of the biological processes of members of the order Herpesvirales are similar. Among the conserved characteristics are the virion structure, replication process, the ability to establish long term latency and the manipulation of the host immune response. Many of the similar processes may be due to convergent evolution. This overview of identified herpesviruses of fish discusses the diseases that alloherpesviruses cause, the biology of these viruses and the host-pathogen interactions. Much of our knowledge on the biology of Alloherpesvirdae is derived from research with two species: Ictalurid herpesvirus 1 (channel catfish virus) and Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (koi herpesvirus).

Risk factors for development of internal neoplasms in koi carp Cyprinus carpio koi

“…Neoplasia is defined as uncontrolled proliferation and dispersal of autologous cells throughout the host body, resulting from accumulated DNA mutations (Martineau & Ferguson 2006). Some tumours in fish have been attri buted to genetic factors (Meierjohann & Schartl 2006, Nairn et al 1996; others were associated with a virus (Hanson et al 2011, Coffee et al 2013 or with environmental contamination (Fabacher & Baumann 1985, Baumann et al 1990, Harshbarger & Clark 1990. However, the presence of tumours in koi populations has not yet been extensively studied.…”

Virus genomes and virus-host interactions in aquaculture animals

“…They are host-specific pathogens, and are wide spread among vertebrates such as mammals, birds, amphibians and fish [126]. After two new virus families, namely, Alloherpesviridae (incorporating fish and frog herpesviruses) and Malacoherpesviridae (containing mollusks) were recognized in 2009, the Herpesvirales order includes the following three families: Herpesviridae (containing mammals and birds), Alloherpesviridae, and Malacoherpesviridae.…”

Crystal Structure of a Poxvirus-Like Zalpha Domain from Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3

“…Herpesviruses of the family Alloherpesviridae are important pathogens of fish and amphibians species (13). Despite their similar morphology, members of the family Alloherpesviridae have gene content distinct from that of members of the Herpesviridae, which infect mammals, birds, and reptiles.…”