The genetic variability and evolution of red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus quasispecies can be associated with its virulence

Study of the intrahost genetic variability of RGNNV in relation to virulence across hosts. Analysis of NGS whole genome quasispecies of two RGNNV viruses with different virulence to two host species, sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata). A recombinant RGNNV (rDl965), with high virulence to sea bass, was used to infect juvenile sea bass and sea bream. In addition, a recombinant virus less virulent to sea bass, carrying a mutation in amino acid 270 of the capsid protein (Mut270Dl965), was used to infect only sea bass.