Climate and season are associated with prevalence and distribution of trans-hemispheric blue crab reovirus (Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1) ...

• Main Authors: Zhao, Mingli, Behringer, Donald C., Bojko, Jamie, Kough, Andrew S., Plough, Louis, Tavares, Camila Prestes Dos Santos, Aguilar-Perera, Alfonso, Reynoso, Omar Shamir, Seepersad, Govind, Maharaj, Omardath, Sanders, Matthew B., Carnales, Daniela, Fabiano, Graciela, Carnevia, Daniel, Freeman, Mark A., Atherley, Nicole A. M., Medero-Hernández, Lexa D., Schott, Eric J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: MEPS 2020
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.13016/m2ooln-kyri; http://mdsoar.org/handle/11603/19709

Among the many Callinectes spp. across the western Atlantic, the blue crab C. sapidus has the broadest latitudinal distribution, encompassing both tropical and temperate climates. Its life history varies latitudinally, from extended overwintering at high latitudes to year-round activity in tropical locations. Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1 (CsRV1) is a pathogenic virus first described in North Atlantic C. sapidus and has recently been detected in southern Brazil. Little information exists about CsRV1 prevalence at intervening latitudes or in overwintering blue crabs. Using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method, this study investigated CsRV1 prevalence in C. sapidus across latitudinal differences in temperature and crab life history, as well as in additional Callinectes spp. and within overwintering C. sapidus. CsRV1 prevalence in C. sapidus was significantly correlated with high water temperature and blue crab winter dormancy. Prevalence of CsRV1 in C. sapidus on the mid-Atlantic coast ...