USE OF PACAP FOR TREATING VIRAL INFECTIONS IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS

摘要

31USE OF PACAP FOR THE TREATMENT OF VIRAL INFECTIONS IN AQUATIC ORGANISMSThe present invention relates to the use of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the treatment of viral diseases and infectious diseases5 caused by viruses in aquatic organisms. PACAP, alone or combined with an antiviral molecule, demonstrated its effectiveness by increasing the survival of fish or crustaceans infected by viruses when it was administered orally, by injection or by immersion baths. Furthermore, it was observed that treated organisms keep or increase its weight as compared to infected and non-treated organisms. PACAP or10 PACAP-containing combinations decreased the viral load in tissues and organs susceptible to viral infections as it was determined by RT-PCR.15