Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis is a viral disease of significant importance to shrimp farming, affecting several species of marine shrimp. It is caused by the Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) and is primarily associated with growth retardation, deformities, and economic losses in aquaculture production.
Etiologic Agent
IHHNV is a non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus belonging to the family Parvoviridae. The virus exhibits high environmental stability and tropism for hypodermal and hematopoietic tissues, directly interfering with the normal development of infected shrimp.
Epidemiology
The disease exhibits a broad geographic distribution, particularly in shrimp-producing regions. Transmission occurs both horizontally, through contact with water, sediment, or infected organisms, and vertically, from broodstock to offspring. The introduction of infected animals into ponds is one of the primary factors in the spread of the virus.
Clinical Manifestations
The clinical manifestations of IHHNV vary according to the species and age of the shrimp. The most common signs include retarded growth, irregular body size, exoskeleton deformities, and reduced crop uniformity. Although mortality is generally low, the production impacts are significant.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of IHHNV infection is based on clinical observation, production history, and laboratory confirmation. Molecular methods, such as conventional PCR and real-time PCR, are widely used for the detection of viral DNA, allowing for the early identification of infected animals.
Prevention and Control
The prevention of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis is primarily based on biosecurity measures, including the use of specific pathogen-free (SPF) post-larvae, water quality control, and the restriction of the introduction of animals of unknown sanitary origin. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available, making prevention the primary control strategy.
Health and Economic Importance
IHHNV represents a significant challenge for shrimp farming due to indirect losses related to growth reduction, crop non-uniformity, and decreased productivity. The presence of the virus can compromise the economic viability of production, reinforcing the need for continuous sanitary surveillance programs.
In this context, the Bioperfectus IHHNV rapid test constitutes a strategic screening tool to support sanitary surveillance in shrimp farming. The use of the rapid test enables the prompt identification of suspect shrimp or batches directly in the field or in routine laboratories, aiding in immediate decision-making, such as pond segregation, animal movement restrictions, and the selection of virus-free broodstock and post-larvae. In this way, the rapid test complements confirmatory molecular methods, contributing to the early detection of IHHNV, the reduction of the pathogen’s dissemination, and the strengthening of prevention and control strategies in aquaculture production.
