Researchers from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) developed a fast, highly reliable, and simple diagnostic method to detect one of the pathogens that may cause swine diarrhea. The technology can detect swine gastrointestinal microorganism that causes Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED). The team of researchers is led by Dr. Clarissa Yvonne J. Domingo and Dr. Rubigilda C. Paraguison-Alili.
The diagnostic method is based on the principle of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). It is developed into a test kit, which farmers can use to detect the virus causing PED even before symptoms appear.
The diagnostic kit, branded Andali RT-LAMP Test Kit, was developed followed by a PED virus outbreak in Batangas province. From May to August 2010, PED has hit the province, killing 11,414 sick pigs or 67% of the pigs in the area. The outbreak caused an economic loss of P9.131 million.
Andali RT-LAMP Test Kit has been tested with 320 freshly excreted diarrheic stools collected from different ages of live pigs from commercial and small hold farms in Bulacan and Batangas.
In as short as 30 minutes, the LAMP technology can produce copies of the target gene sequence. It can be carried out using simple and less expensive equipment like a simple thermostat or water bath. The technology can be compared to the more expensive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic protocols.
The Andali RT-LAMP Test Kit is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). It is one of the finalists under the research category of the 2016 National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).
Initiated by the DOST-PCAARRD, NSAARRD recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of agri-aqua research and development in the country.
Held on July 27 at the DOST-PCAARRD Complex in Los Baños, Laguna, NSAARRD served as one of the highlights of the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).