ARS | Publication request: Rapid Detection of Channel Catfish Virus Carriers Using Real-time PCR

Submitted to: International Aquatic Animal Health Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2006
Publication Date: September 12, 2006
Citation: Bourgeois, A.L., Silverstein, P., Camus, A., Waldbieser, G., Hanson, L. 2006. Rapid Detection of Channel Catfish Virus Carriers Using Real-time PCR. International Aquatic Animal Health Symposium Proceedings, pg. 80.

Technical Abstract: Channel catfish virus (CCV) can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically and can persist in an inactive state in seemingly healthy fish. CCV carriers could be a source of subsequent outbreaks. A real-time PCR assay was developed that is capable of both detection and quantification of CCV DNA in small, non-lethal tissue samples. The lower detection limit of the PCR assay is 17.5 copies of CCV DNA per tissue sample. Fingerlings and broodfish were collected from both commercial and research populations and tested for incidence and levels of CCV DNA. In both populations, more fingerlings than broodfish (81.2 % and 32.9 %, respectively) tested positive for CCV DNA Fingerlings also carried higher levels of CCV DNA than broodfish (2.2x104 ± 1.52x104, 4.8x101 ± 2.8x101 copies/sample, respectively). There were no differences between commercial and research populations for both incidence and levels of CCV DNA. The real-time PCR assay described here will be used for further assessment of fry susceptibility to CCVD and in determination of carrier status of fingerlings and broodfish.