Escrutinio molecular de IHHNV y WSSV en postlarvas de Penaeus vannamei mediante PCR punto final

Abstract

The health status of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae constitutes a critical factor for the productive sustainability and biosecurity of shrimp farming, given their potential as a pathway for introducing viral pathogens into grow-out phases. This study aimed to apply a molecular diagnostic scheme oriented towards sanitary control and traceability of commercial batches, through the detection of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). Postlarvae samples were collected at stages PL2 to PL12 following epidemiological criteria and biosecurity principles; samples were preserved in 95% ethanol and processed using standardized DNA extraction protocols. Viral detection was performed using end-point PCR and Nested-PCR, applying a pooled analysis strategy to optimize diagnostic turnaround time. Under a purposive sampling design established for a 5% design prevalence, results showed no evidence of IHHNV or WSSV amplification in any of the analyzed samples. This confirms the absence of detectable pathogens and suggests a maximum probable prevalence lower than 5% in the evaluated batches. These findings validate the utility of molecular diagnosis as a reliable tool for sanitary verification, which is fundamental for decision-making, seedstock traceability, and the mitigation of epidemiological risks in shrimp farms. Keywords: Penaeus vannamei, molecular diagnosis, biosecurity, pooling, sanitary traceability.