Recent research at Rutgers University has led to a groundbreaking discovery about an unusual outbreak of an epidemic that has devastated superworm colonies worldwide. This species, known by its Latin name Zophobas morio, is a key component of the diet of many exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, and fish. However, during 2019, breeders and pet owners began noticing sudden die-offs of these protein-rich larvae, causing concern in the industry.

Researchers at Rutgers, led by molecular virologist Judit Penzes, were able to uncover the cause of this mysterious die-off. Using modern technology, they discovered a new virus they named "Zophobas morio black rot virus". This virus specifically targets darkling beetle larvae, causing their rapid decay. The discovery of the virus was crucial for understanding how the infection spreads and has opened up possibilities for developing preventive measures and protecting these important food sources for exotic pets.

Superworms have long been considered an important source of protein, not only for pets but also for people in certain cultures that explore insects as a sustainable food source. Many farms have specialized in breeding these worms due to their nutritional value, but the sudden outbreak of disease in 2019 led to massive losses of colonies. Penzes and her team began their investigation with samples of worms collected from local pet stores in New Jersey. According to Penzes, the first signs of the disease were clearly visible in the stores where breeders noticed unusual symptoms in the worms.

Using a food mixer, the researchers created a mash from the bodies of the dead worms and applied a virus purification technique that allows for the separation of the pathogen. When fluorescent light illuminated the centrifuged samples, the virus emitted a characteristic blue glow, confirming the presence of the pathogen. Together with colleague Jason Kaelber, a specialist in cryo-electron microscopy, Penzes was able to obtain a three-dimensional view of the virus structure, allowing for detailed study of its characteristics.

What they discovered was startling. The virus structure showed similarities to viruses that affect cockroaches, but it was clear that it was a completely new member of the parvovirus family. This family of viruses includes pathogens that infect various animal species, but the black rot virus is specific to Zophobas morio. The discovery is of great importance to breeders as it allows for a better understanding of the epidemic and potential methods to protect their colonies.

Cryo-electron microscopy, which allowed scientists to obtain a three-dimensional view of the virus, proved to be a crucial method in this research. This technology enables rapid freezing of samples, which preserves the virus structure without forming ice crystals that could damage delicate molecules. Scientists were able to extract a series of amino acids from the virus protein structure without the need for genetic analysis. This discovery provided valuable insight into methods for identifying new pathogens and the potential for rapid response to future epidemics in humans, plants, and animals.

Penzes and her team are now working on developing a vaccine that could protect Zophobas morio colonies from further outbreaks of disease. One potential strategy involves injecting a related virus from another insect species, which does not cause symptoms but provides immunity against the black rot virus. This research has opened doors to new methods for combating infectious diseases in agriculture and the food industry.

The importance of this research extends beyond entomology and virology. It not only helps breeders protect their farms but also serves as a real-world test of cryo-electron microscopy technology, which could be crucial in the future for quickly identifying and containing outbreaks of disease in human populations. Ultimately, this discovery represents a significant advance in the fight against unknown pathogens and offers new opportunities for the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Source: State University of New Jersey