Molecular diagnostics

Molecular methods (PCR, Quantitative PCR and Reverse Transcription-qPCR) are commonly used at BC CAHS to screen for the presence/absence of pathogens using specific nucleic acid sequences. From this, inferences about the presence of disease-causing agents can made.

The molecular tests offered by BC CAHS are based on the detection of nucleic acid sequences using PCR based methods. These include: classical Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Reverse Transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR).

BC CAHS currently offers diagnostic tests for the following pathogens:

Viruses

IHNv, Infectious hematopoetic necrosis virus*
IPNv, Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus*
ISAv, Infectious salmon anemia virus*
PRv, Piscine Orthoreovirus (spelling change)
SAV, Salmonid alphavirus
VHSv, Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus*

Bacteria

A.sal, Aeromonas salmonicida
P.sal, Piscirickettsia salmonis
R.sal, Renibacterium salmoninarum
V.para, Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Whirling Disease, Myxobolus cerebralis*
Y.ruck, Yersina ruckeri

Parasites

Kudoa thyrsites
N.perurans, Neoparamoeba perurans
P.pseudo, Parvicapsula pseudobranchicola

*BC CAHS is legally obligated to report any positive results to CFIA. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/aquatic-animals/diseases/reportable/2019/eng/1339174937153/1339175227861

These molecular methods can be used to help answer a wide range of biological questions, and BC CAHS endeavours to stay at the forefront of developing needs. BC CAHS has the in-house expertise to work with clients to develop additional methods for the detection of emerging pathogens or any organism of interest.

ATPase / Smoltification

PCR

Sea Lice Identification

Title 50

Virology