Lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) is the causative agent of a well-known fish
viral disease that is characterized by hypertrophy of fibroblastic cells in the connective
tissue. This viral disease affects more than 125 wild and cultured species of
teleost fish from marine and freshwater environments and has a cosmopolitan
geographical distribution. In aquaculture systems, the prevalence of LCDV infection
is very high, likely reflecting the horizontal transmission of this virus. The
incidence rate of the disease may reach 70%, causing significant economic losses
for the aquaculture industry. This review provides information on the taxonomy,
viral properties, epizootiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and control
measures of LCDV infection in fish.
