Dissecting the localization of <i>Tilapia</i> <i>tilapinevirus</i> in the brain of the experimentally infected Nile tilapia, <i>Oreochromis</i> <i>niloticus</i> (L.)

Tilapia tilapinevirus or tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging that inflicts significant mortality on farmed globally. Previous studies reported detection of the in multiple organs infected fish; however, little known about in-depth localization central nervous system. Herein, we determined distribution TiLV entire brain experimentally Nile tilapia. In situ hybridization (ISH) using TiLV-specific probes revealed was broadly distributed throughout brain. The strongest positive signals were dominantly detected forebrain (responsible for learning, appetitive behaviour and attention) hindbrain (involved controlling locomotion basal physiology). permissive cell zones viral infection observed mostly to be along blood vessels ventricles. This indicates may productively enter into through circulatory system widen broad regions, possibly cerebrospinal fluid ventricles, subsequently induce dysfunction. Understanding pattern help elucidate neurological disorders diseased fish. study whole brain, providing new insights fish–virus interactions neuropathogenesis.