The University of Santo Tomas (UST) developed a technology to detect shrimp diseases, particularly white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Vibrio spp.
The technology uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and standard microbiological techniques.
WSSV is a viral disease in the shrimp industry that has become widespread in Asia after it was observed in Taiwan in the early 1990s. Meanwhile, Vibriosis caused by Vibrio spp. is the main bacterial disease of shrimps.
Shrimp disease outbreaks in the Philippines remain uncontrollable as most shrimp farmers have no access to disease diagnostics.
Compared with conventional PCR, LAMP-based detection of shrimp pathogens is 10 times highly sensitive. By using LAMP, bacterial identification of Vibrio spp. takes less time than the traditional microbiological method.
In LAMP-based detection, a heat block apparatus replaces the expensive thermal cycler, which further lessens the equipment cost.
LAMP reaction is carried out at 55 to 68 degrees Celsius for WSSV detection and 59 to 67 degrees Celsius for Vibrio spp. for 45 to 60 minutes.
LAMP was able to detect WSSV from L. vannamei collected from Leyte, Batangas, Iloilo, and Bulacan, while samples from Laoag City and Ilocos Sur yielded negative results. Shrimp samples from Bolinao, Pangasinan were tested positive for Vibrio spp.
To make the technology more practical for onsite application, a constructed heat block apparatus can be used. Moreover, to prevent cross contamination on LAMP products, a technique to view the products in a close-tube setup is proposed.
The LAMP, along with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST's (DOST-PCAARRD) leading R&D initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors, will be showcased during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 25-29 at the Council’s complex. This year’s NSTW adopts the theme, “Juan Science, One Nation.”
Within the NSTW, the Council will also celebrate its fifth anniversary on July 28, 2016. This will highlight the National Symposium on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) on July 27, 2016 and awarding of papers in the afternoon of the said date. The NSAARRD showcases the most outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of the AANR sectors through research and development.