Complete genome sequencing of Red Sea Bream Iridovirus (RSIV)

The complete genome (112.4kb) of red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) (strain Ehime-1) was sequenced.RSIV causes the red sea bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD), an important disease affecting cultured marine fish species.A circular physical map of the RSIV genome supports the fact that RSIV is member of family Iridoviridae.Size and G+C content of the RSIV genome is compared to those of other iridoviruses, from which it is determined that RSIV was similar to those of frog virus 3 (FV3), the vertebrate indovirus and has similarity to the genus Ranavirus.However, phylogenetic analysis of MCP genes reveals that RSIV should be classified as new genus of the family lridovindae.In addition two genes were possibly identified which encode prospective protective antigens that would have potential for the production of a recombinant vaccine.