Rapid diagnosis of two marine viruses, red sea bream iridovirus and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus by PCR combined with lateral flow assay

Abstract

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) and Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) are the most important viral marine pathogens in South Korea because RSIV and VHSV infect and cause high mortality rates in major fish species such as Paralichthys olivaceus and Sebastes schlegelii. These viruses can be transmitted both vertically and horizontally, and early diagnosis is imperative. In this research, RSIV and VHSV viral genomes are detected by PCR-lateral flow assay (LFA). PCR-LFA is sensitive, capable of detecting a viral genome at a concentration of 2–200 fg/µL. Development of this detection method is very meaningful because LFA is simple, requiring a minimum of personnel training to perform. Additionally, LFA requires less time than other detection methods and can be an immediate detection tool that is indispensable in preventing rapid viral spread.