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Marine Ecology Progress Series

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MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

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Mar Ecol Prog Ser 647:123-133 (2020)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13405

copied

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

ABSTRACT: 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 was significantly lower in winter than in summer. CsRV1 infections were not detected in other Callinectes spp. These findings revealed that CsRV1 is present in C. sapidus across their range, but not in other Callinectes species, with prevalence associated with temperature and host life history. Such information helps us to better understand the underlying mechanisms that drive marine virus dynamics under changing environmental conditions.

KEYWORDS

CsRV1Disease ecologyDormancyLatitudinal gradientLife historyPopulation densityTemperature

Mingli Zhao (Co-author)

  • Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA

Donald C. Behringer (Co-author)

  • University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
  • University of Florida, Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

Jamie Bojko (Co-author)

  • Teesside University, School of Health and Life Sciences, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK

Andrew S. Kough (Co-author)

  • John G. Shedd Aquarium, Haerther Center for Conservation Research, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Louis Plough (Co-author)

  • University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA

Camila Prestes dos Santos Tavares (Co-author)

  • Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil

Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (Co-author)

  • Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

Omar Shamir Reynoso (Co-author)

  • National Authority for Maritime Affairs, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Govind Seepersad (Co-author)

  • Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad, West Indies

Omardath Maharaj (Co-author)

  • Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad, West Indies

Matthew B. Sanders (Co-author)

  • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK

Daniela Carnales (Co-author)

  • Veterinary Faculty, Fisheries Research Institute, Tomas Basañez 1160, Uruguay

Graciela Fabiano (Co-author)

  • Veterinary Faculty, Fisheries Research Institute, Tomas Basañez 1160, Uruguay
  • National Directorate of Aquatic Resources, Atlantic Fisheries Management Unit, La Paloma, Rocha, Uruguay

Daniel Carnevia (Co-author)

  • Veterinary Faculty, Fisheries Research Institute, Tomas Basañez 1160, Uruguay

Mark A. Freeman (Co-author)

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts, West Indies

Nicole A. M. Atherley (Co-author)

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts, West Indies
  • Caribaea Initiative, Université des Antilles, Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe

Lexa D. Medero-Hernández (Co-author)

  • Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Recinto de Cupey, San Juan, PR 00926, USA

Eric J. Schott (Corresponding Author)

  • Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
schott@umces.edu

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