DNA technologies have recently become widely used for the detection and identification of fish pathogens. The procedures we use have been developed by Microtek or have been licensed from other research institutions. Since these tests are extremely sensitive, careful examination of the purpose for which the data will be used is recommended. Please consult us for recommendations on sample collection for this service.
With Chinook salmon farming the problem of precocious maturation whereby a portion of males (ranging from 5 – 40%) undergoes sexual maturation 1 yr prior to normal maturation can cause significant down grading and less profitable size at harvest. This test targets the Y-chromosomal DNA from this species allowing for the screening of XX males and regular XY males of a monosex population.
Renibacterium salmoninarum (BKD):
A more sensitive test for the detection of R.salmoninarum, this PCR is nested and involves the use of primers that bind to the gene sequence of the protein p57.
Aeromonas salmonicida (Furunculosis):
The asymptomatic or 'carrier' infections of Aeromonas salmonicida are a significant threat to the salmonid aquaculture worldwide. Due to the sensitivity of this test, it is very useful for detecting low levels of A. salmonicida. It is also beneficial for detecting A. salmonicida in surface water supplies.
RT-PCR for IHNV, VHSV, ISAV, IPNV:
This test is very useful as a confirmation of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV), Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV), Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) or Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus (ISAV)
This microsporidian parasite has become a significant pathogen in salmonids in some regions of North America. PCR is very useful test to screen for the presence of this pathogen. It is a nested PCR test that targets the specific DNA sequence from the small subunit rRNA gene (16s)
Piscirickettsia salmonis (SRS):
With the significance as a pathogen of salmonids in North America, Chile, and Europe coupled with the difficulties in culturing the pathogen, PCR has become a very useful detection tool for this organism. This test is a nested PCR involving an initial amplification of rDNA followed by a second amplification using specific primers for P. salmonis.
A comparison test of unknown bacteria to known pathogens for characterization and identification, this test makes use of the ribosomal DNA.
