White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causes millions of dollars losses to the shrimp industry in Asia.
Researchers in Universiti Putra Malaysia have developed The Fast Target white spot syndrome virus detection kit. It is the first kit to use the single tube, single loading, nonstop approach to detect white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).
The single tube method is completely different from the conventional nested PCR method that involves cumbersome two tubes and multiple-step procedures. This novel single tube method for shrimp virus is the first in the world and is patent pending (PI 99044554I).
The innovative single tube rapid detection system has the following advantages:
1. Single tube, single loading and non-stop nested amplification - low risk of contamination, economical, fast and user friendly.
2. Sensitive - can detect as low as 10 copies of viral DNA target.
3. Indicates infection levels (light, moderate and heavy).
4. Built-in false negative, and
5. Positive controls - reliable results.
It is estimated that the use of the kit saves the Malaysian shrimp industry $20 million annually.
The kit was commecialised in 1999, nationally and internationally through the efforts of the research team. The kit has also been marketed to Australia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
