Susceptibility of Neohelice granulata (Decapoda, Varunidae) to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) continues to be the most severe viral pathogen shrimp industry worldwide. Pacific white Litopenaeus vannamei is particularly affected by WSSV, and this has been detected in a wide range of wild crustaceans, including penaeid non-penaeid crayfish, as well crabs. Crabs have considered dangerous threat farms because they are generally believed highly tolerant WSSV remain infected for long periods without signs disease. The burrowing crab Neohelice (= Chasmagnathus) granulata can commonly found surroundings southern Brazil. Here, we investigated susceptibility N. infection comparison L. vannamei. infectability host were challenge (intramuscular injection) both species. Viral load challenged animals was quantified qPCR hemolymph gills. Furthermore, transcript levels sixteen target genes related molecular defense status assessed. results revealed that experimentally those naturally infected, showed lethargy, lack appetite, later gross Moreover, less susceptible when compared While no death observed crabs before post-challenge interval 120 h, seen early 48 h post-infection. Comparative also assessed gills captured farmed WSSV. Transcript after WS between 24 hpi 96 crab. Differences gene transcripts noteworthy with increase copies at 106 µl−1. These indicated modulated important cellular responses, such apoptosis, chaperone function, ion storage,