Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used for the detection of Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV) in experimentally infected shrimp

Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV) has adversely affected the shrimp culture indust ries of the Americas. First recognized in 1992, this viral agent has spread throughout the shrimp growing regions of South and Central America to beco me established in North America in the short span of 5 yr. Diagnostic metho ds for TSV include histopathology, bioassay using susceptible Penaeus vanna mei as the indicator species and in situ hybridization with TSV specific co mplimentary DNA (cDNA) gene probes. An additional method for detecting TSV is through the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-P CR). Two oligonucleotide primers were selected using the sequence informati on from a cloned cDNA segment of the TSV genome. The primers, designated 91 95 and 9992, used in the RT-PCR procedure amplify a 231 base pair (bp) frag ment of the cDNA. Using the RT-PCR technique, TSV has been detected in the hemolymph of P. stylirostris and P, vannamei with experimentally induced TS V infections.