In the realm of aquaculture, infectious diseases pose a significant threat, causing substantial economic losses. The White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is particularly lethal to Pacific white shrimp, with outbreaks resulting in nearly 100 percent mortality in just a week, leading to estimated losses exceeding $15 billion over the past three decades.
To address this challenge, Sherlock Biosciences has partnered with the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) to develop a rapid diagnostic tool under a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award. The aim is to equip shrimp farmers with a tool that can swiftly identify WSSV outbreaks, allowing for prompt containment and treatment measures.
The diagnostic tool, leveraging CRISPR technology, enables the detection of specific genetic sequences unique to WSSV. GMGI’s prior research laid the foundation for this tool, using a fluorescent marker and tag molecule to create a visible glow when a virus-containing sample is illuminated. While GMGI successfully developed a sensitive test, Sherlock Biosciences stepped in to refine the technology for field deployment, simplifying sample preparation and ensuring user-friendly diagnostics.
Mary Wilson, Director of Assay Research at Sherlock Biosciences, highlighted the goal of providing shrimp farmers with quick information within 30 minutes, reducing the reliance on central laboratories. The beta test phase, expected next year, will evaluate the diagnostic tool’s performance in field deployments, comparing results to laboratory-based gold standards.
The potential cost of diagnostics is estimated to be between $5 to $20 per test, significantly lower than the current expense of running quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests. The rapid results and cost-effectiveness of the new tool offer a promising solution for the aquaculture industry, opening possibilities for expanded application to detect various diseases of interest in aquaculture.
Source: Responsible Seafood Advocate