Disease challenge models

Dr Grant Stentiford

European Community Reference Laboratory for Crustacean Diseases

Pathology and Parasite Systematics team, Cefas

Diagnosing disease in crustaceans

• Research/diagnostics tools are similar for use with other animal groups

• Histology provides a front-line tool for observations of deviations from normal

• Electron microscopy provides information on pathology/pathogens/life cycles

• Antibodies are available against most major crustacean pathogens

• Molecular diagnostics (e.g. PCR) are widely used to confirm pathogen type

• No reliable cell lines are available (e.g. for viral culture)

• Generally rely on a combination of the above for successful diagnosis

Diagnostic accreditation and in-house expertise

• Histology: ISO 17025 Method for testing crustaceans for pathogens and notifiable diseases by histological analysis

• Molecular diagnostics: ISO17025 Flexible scope accreditation for RT-PCR and PCR of fish, shellfish and crustacean pathogens

• Experimental Facility: GLP accredited facility. Biosecure containment facility for exotic pathogen work

• Capacity to work with a wide range of host species and all globally significant pathogens (e.g. EC Directive listed, OIE listed, emerging pathogens)

Typical challenge studies

Q. Are crustaceans from EU waters susceptible to WSSV?

Susceptibility testing

Viral challenge studies

Q. Are crustaceans from EU waters susceptible to WSSV?

Cumulative mortality of P. vannamei injected with edible crab innoculum

0

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Day

Mor

talit

y ra

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control mortalities

Injected mortalities

Fed mortalities

Injection of filtered homogenate from WSSV

exposure trial using European species

Mortality, histopathology,

TEM and WSSV PCR of shrimp

recorded

Injection, feeding or bath exposure

to innoculum prepared from frozen WSSV-infected shrimp

• Experimental infection of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) via feedingof WSSV-infected P. vannamei

WSSV-Infected cuticular epithelium of H.gammarus

Viral challenge studies – e.g. European lobster

Current work areas

Diseases in fisheries Diseases in aquaculture Transboundary movements

Immuno-competence toolbox Crustaceans as sentinels Pathogen systematics

Visit www.crustaceancrl.eu for information on our diagnostic remit and research programme