Lymphocystis in Red Drum

Abstract

This report documents natural infection and experimental transmission of lymphocystis in red drum Sciaenops ocellatus. Lymphocystis was a chronic problem in a commercial red drum production facility in Texas during 1993–1994. Electron microscopy of lesions and infected cell cultures revealed an icosohedral virus 220–230 nm in diameter. The virus was experimentally transmitted by intramuscular injection and oral administration, with the development of lesions restricted to fins and adjacent tissues. Cell culture of the virus yielded large numbers of incomplete particles, which might account for variations in experimental transmission of lymphocystis.