FIG 2.

Microphotographs of hepatopancreases (HPs) from L. vannamei naturally infected by AHPND. (a) Transversal view of HP with a clear lumen (L), R and B cells, and a normal tubular epithelium. (b to d) Initial stage of infection. (b and c) Transversal view of tubules with elongation of epithelial cells (arrows) toward the lumen. (d) Tubular epithelium with strong reduction of vacuoles in R and B cells (arrows). (e to h) Acute stage of infection. (e) Tubules with a reduction of vacuoles in R and B cells (arrowheads) and severe desquamation of the epithelium (arrows). (f) Magnification of panel e, showing a tubular epithelium necrosis with dead cells inside the lumen (arrows). (g) Severe organ disorganization caused by desquamation of the tubular epithelium. (h) Incipient hemocytic infiltration (arrowhead) in the interstitial spaces of the tubules and loss of continuity of the epithelium due to the necrotic process (arrows). Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used. Microphotographs by S. Abad.