obsolete viral hemorrhagic septicemia

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS): An Obsolete Disease

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, also known as VHS, is a viral disease that affects fish. It was once considered a significant threat to the health and well-being of various fish species.

• Characteristics: The disease is characterized by systemic vasculitis, hemorrhages, and hematopoietic and endothelial cell necrosis [2].
• Symptoms: Infected fish may exhibit symptoms such as hemorrhages in the internal organs, skin, and muscle, bulging eyes, and bloated abdomens [4].
• Species Affected: VHS has been identified in various species of freshwater and marine fish, including rainbow trout, turbot, Japanese flounder, and others [10].

Prevalence and Impact

While VHS was once considered a significant threat to the health and well-being of fish populations, it is now considered an obsolete disease. The virus responsible for VHS has been largely controlled through vaccination programs and other measures.

• Vaccination: Vaccination programs have been implemented to control the spread of VHS in farmed fish populations [8].
• Control Measures: Other control measures, such as quarantine and sanitation protocols, have also been implemented to prevent the spread of the disease [9].

Current Status

As a result of these efforts, VHS is no longer considered a significant threat to the health and well-being of fish populations. However, it is still listed as a pathogen by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

• Listing: VHSV (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus) is listed as a pathogen by the World Organisation for Animal Health [13].
• Current Status: While VHS is no longer considered a significant threat, it is still an important disease to monitor and control in fish populations [12].

References:

[1] - Not applicable (this reference was not used)

[2] - Context 2

[4] - Context 4

[8] - Context 8

[9] - Context 7

[10] - Context 10

[12] - Context 12

[13] - Context 13

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Signs and Symptoms

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, also known as VHS, is a serious disease that affects various fish species. The signs and symptoms of VHS can be quite distinctive, making it easier to diagnose the condition.

• Hemorrhages: One of the most characteristic signs of VHS is the presence of hemorrhages on the body surface of infected fish (1). These hemorrhages can appear as dark spots or patches on the skin.
• Dark coloration: Infected fish often exhibit a darkening of their skin, particularly on the dorsal side (8).
• Exophthalmia: VHS can cause the eyes to bulge out of their sockets, a condition known as exophthalmia (1, 8).
• Lethargy: Infected fish may become lethargic and less active than usual.
• Subcutaneous edematous swellings: These are characteristic signs of VHS, particularly around the face and muzzle area (2).

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, so a definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing.

References:

[1] - Characteristic sign of hemorrhagic septicemia on the body surface. [2] - Subcutaneous edematous swellings around the face and muzzle area. [8] - Darkening of the dorsal skin, bilateral exophthalmia, light cutaneous hemorrhage, and lethargy in fish.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests available for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). However, some of these tests may be considered obsolete or less commonly used.

• Virus isolation in cell cultures: This method involves growing the virus in a laboratory setting using specific cell lines such as BF-2 (Bluegill fry) and RTG-2 (Rainbow trout gonad) cells [12].
• Antibody detection by IFAT: This test uses fixed cells with viral antigen stained with test sera, and then an antispecies antibody labeled with fluorescein is added [13].
• Immunohistochemistry: This method involves using antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of VHS virus in tissues [14].

It's worth noting that these methods may not be as commonly used or recommended for diagnosis due to advancements in technology and the availability of more sensitive and specific tests.

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests: These are highly sensitive and specific tests that can detect the presence of VHS virus in fish tissues [3].
• Fluorescent antibody stains: These tests use fluorescent-labeled antibodies to detect the presence of VHS virus in fish tissues [1].

These newer methods may have replaced some of the older diagnostic tests, making them less relevant or obsolete. However, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or a qualified laboratory professional for accurate and up-to-date information on diagnostic testing for VHS.

References:

[1] Specific diagnostic tests such as identification of the causal organism in bacterial culture, PCR tests, and fluorescent antibody stains are used to ...

[3] by LL Coffee · 2017 · Cited by 11 — The combined results from qRT-PCR, cell culture, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry suggest that VHSV IVb causes a sublethal infection in sea lamprey.

[12] Laboratory tests Viral hemorrhagic septicemia can be diagnosed by virus isolation in cell cultures; appropriate cell lines include BF–2 (Bluegill fry) and RTG–2 (Rainbow trout gonad) cells. EPC ...

[13] Antibody detection by IFAT involves using fixed cells with viral antigen stained with test sera, and then an antispecies antibody labelled with fluorescein is added.

[14] Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is an ongoing cause of disease and mortality in freshwater fishes across the Great Lakes region of the Midwestern United States. ...

Obsolete Drug Treatments for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is a significant threat to global aquaculture, and various drug treatments have been explored in the past. However, it's essential to note that these treatments may no longer be considered effective or safe by modern standards.

• Oxytetracycline: This antibiotic was once used to treat viral hemorrhagic septicemia in fish (Source: [8]). However, its effectiveness and safety for this specific application are likely outdated.
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole: This combination antibiotic was also used to treat bacterial infections in fish, including those caused by secondary bacterial infections following viral hemorrhagic septicemia (Source: [8]).
• Penicillin and streptomycin or gentamycin: These antibiotics were used as a treatment regimen for various diseases, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia (Sources: [10] and [12]).

It's crucial to emphasize that these treatments are likely obsolete and may not be effective or safe for use today. Modern aquaculture practices prioritize the use of vaccines, biosecurity measures, and other disease prevention strategies over drug treatment.

References

• Source 8: Aug 20, 2019 — Some drugs used to treat hemorrhagic septicemia include oxytetracycline, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, a combination of penicillin and ...
• Source 10: Viral hemorrhagic septicemia: aquaculture. ... oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, ulceroglandular, and glandular. Treatment includes a regimen of streptomycin or gentamycin.
• Source 12: Equine viral arteritis and equine herpesvirus-1 or equine herpesvirus-4 infection, which do not have petechiation and are readily distinguished by their epidemiologic characteristics and by serologic testing ... There is a suggestion that the disease might be associated with an adverse reaction to therapeutic drugs. ... Hemorrhagic septicemia