First report of Megalocytivirus in Red Piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) by Molecular Diagnosis in Brazil

Abstract

The genus Megalocytivirus belongs to the family Iridoviridae and due to the high mortality rates among infected animals, represents a significant threat to world aquaculture. The affected fish present general and nonspecific symptoms, which makes the early diagnosis of the infection difficult. Nine samples from ornamental fish of the species Poecilia reticulata and Pygocentrus nattereri with nonspecific symptomatology were submitted to molecular diagnosis for Megalocytivirus through the PCR technique. Infection by this genus was detected in 100% of the analyzed samples, and three of them were sent for sequencing. All samples showed identity values of 100% with the Megalocytivirus Sabah/RAA1/2012 strain BMGIV48 described in Malaysia. These results indicate, for the first time, the circulation of Megalocytivirus among Brazilian ornamental fish, which emphasizes the necessity of larger studies regarding this important viral genus.