White spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus and the sole member of the genus Whispovirus within the family Nimaviridae (ICTV, 2023). It is the causative agent of White Spot Syndrome (WSS), a highly contagious and lethal disease affecting a wide range of crustacean species, particularly penaeid shrimp (WOAH, 2021). The virus targets various tissues of ectodermal and mesodermal origin, including the gills, lymphoid organ, and cuticular epithelium, leading to rapid mortality within 3 to 10 days of infection (PubMed: 15650231). WSSV's genome encodes approximately 180 open reading frames, with major structural proteins like VP28 and VP26 playing critical roles in viral attachment and entry into host cells (UniProt: Q9J8B0). Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation include RNA interference (RNAi) targeting essential viral genes, the use of recombinant viral proteins as oral vaccines, and the application of immunostimulants to bolster the shrimp's innate immune response (PubMed: 22403537). Despite extensive research, there are currently no widely available commercial drugs or vaccines, making WSSV a significant economic threat to the global aquaculture industry (FAO, 2022).

Other names

WhispovirusWhite spot baculovirus (WSBV)Systemic ectodermal and mesodermal baculovirus (SEMBV)Shrimp explosive epidemic disease (SEED)

Inhibition of viral replication via RNA interference, competitive inhibition of viral entry, and stimulation of innate immune responses.