Aquabirnavirus

Aquabirnavirus refers to a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses within the family Birnaviridae. These viruses are known to infect aquatic animals, including fish and shellfish. Aquabirnaviruses are non-enveloped viruses with a single, linear genome composed of two segments of double-stranded RNA. The virion is typically icosahedral in shape.

The most well-known species within this genus is the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), which causes infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in farmed salmonids, particularly Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. IPN is a highly contagious disease that can lead to significant mortality in young fish, causing severe damage to the pancreas, spleen, and liver. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, erratic swimming, abdominal distension, and hemorrhages.

Other aquabirnaviruses infect different fish species. For instance, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) affects various marine fish in Asia, causing significant economic losses in aquaculture. Research into aquabirnaviruses is ongoing to understand their pathogenesis, transmission, and to develop effective control strategies, including vaccines, to mitigate the impact of these diseases on fish populations and the aquaculture industry. The study of aquabirnaviruses also contributes to the broader understanding of viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions in aquatic environments.