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.

Contact

Address

871A Island Hwy
Campbell River, BC
V9W 2C2

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