Tracking the emergence of a novel genotype of Decapod hepanhamaparvovirus in shrimp using laser microdissection and next generation sequencing

The prevalence of hepatopancreatic diseases in cultured shrimp has increased in recent years. Decapod Hepanhamaparvovirus 1 (DHPV) infection was identified by histology in samples that could not be detected by PCR-based assay for this virus. Employing Laser Microdissection (LMD), we dissected cells containing intranuclear inclusion bodies pathognomonic for DHPV infection from histological sections. Whole Genome Amplification and NGS were used to generate five complete genomes of the novel DHPV isolate that showed identities ranging from 77% to 98% to previously reported isolates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the DHPV isolate represents a novel genotype, Genotype V. We developed PCR and in situ hybridization methods tailored for the specific detection of this genotype. Our approach of combining LMD with NGS opens avenues for rapid identification of emerging viral pathogens and retrospective studies to understand origin and evolution of viruses showcasing the transformative potential of the innovative approach used in this study.