Effective Procedures for Culture Isolation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV)

Abstract

Isolation of pathogens is essential for studies on infectious diseases. Present study aimed to develop an effective method for culture isolation of koi herpesvirus (KHV). KHV was effectively isolated using CCB cells only from fish with clinical signs. KHV survived longer at 4°C or -30°C than at 23°C in fish tissues. These results suggest that KHV can be isolated from symptomatic fish kept at the low temperature. To increase isolation efficiencies, the brain as well as the gills and kidney should be included in target organs for examination. In addition, freezing of the organs at -30°C or -85°C is recommended when samples are preserved for a long period before isolation.