Enzyme immunoassay for shrimp vibriosis

Abstract

In an effort to detect vibriosis caused by Vibrio vulnificus and V. harveyi in cultured shrimp in Taiwan, several enzyme immunoassays (EIA) were compared for sensitivity, reproducibility, time consumption, technical complexity and instrumentation requirements. For field applications, the indirect immunodot blot assay using avidin-biotin complex (ABC) proved to be the best method for detection of subclinical vibriosis. This method can detect 103 organisms per 100 pl of hepatopancreas homogenates, and color results are clear-cut and available within 5.5 h. These test kits are made specific by using monoclonal antibody reagents. Field surveys including shrimp from larval to adult stages are described in order to determine the feasibility of the ABC irnmunodot blot assay. This technology may help management to change their emphasis from disease control to health monitoring and thereby provide greater benefit to shrimp farmers.