DAO 60:173-178 (2004)  -  doi:10.3354/dao060173

ABSTRACT: Many studies have examined the morphology, pathology and epizootiology of the intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) of Cherax quadricarinatus, but little research has been conducted to acquire specific knowledge of the virus. This is partly due to difficulties in detecting the virus and in obtaining sufficient material for viral isolation and purification. As quantified by light microscopy, we significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced IBV intensities from 10.56 to 16.67% in C. quadricarinatus by using salinity stress (12 ppt) and ingestion of infected hepatopancreatic tissue, which increased intensities from 4.33 to 10.77%. It was also found that phosphotungstic acid-eosin stain was superior to standard haematoxylin and eosin stain in visualizing IBV inclusion bodies. It is expected that these new techniques will enhance the detectability of the virus and provide sufficient viral material for viral purification, characterization and development of molecular tools for detection and phylogenetic analysis.

KEY WORDS: Cherax quadricarinatus · Intranuclear bacilliform virus · Histology