Inactivation of Rhabdovirus carpio (spring viraemia of carp virus) in an EPC cell line by silver nanoparticles

Among aquatic animal pathogens, viruses have the most sensible role and cause higher mortalities than other pathogens due to the high infectivity, difficult diagnosis and high severity. In this study, antiviral activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against Rhabdovirus carpio, the etiological agent of spring viraemia of carp (SVC), in epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cell line was monitored. Cytotoxic concentration 50% (CC50) of Ag-NPs in EPC cells was determined and the concentration 0.5 CC50 was used. Viral exposure to Ag-NPs was performed using simultaneous and delayed inoculation of the virus and Ag-NPs onto EPC cells. The inoculated cells were monitored for six days for any cytopathic effects and mortalities. According to the results, the CC50 of Ag-NPs was determined 62mg/L. In addition, mortalities of simultaneous and delayed inoculated cells were recorded 39% and 26% respectively, while in the meantime 100% of the cells inoculated with pure SVCV were died. Thus, it could be concluded that Ag-NPs have an appropriate antiviral activity against SVCV in their less toxic concentrations and could be employed as an antiviral agent in aquaculture.