Development of a Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Strip for the Rapid Detection of Channel Catfish Virus

Abstract

Abstract Background Channel catfish virus disease (CCVD) has resulted in great economic losses and has restricted the development of fisheries. There is therefore, a need for rapid and efficient diagnostic methods to control the spread of CCVD. Objective A colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip has been developed for the detection of CCVD. Methods In this study, a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip for channel catfish virus (CCV) detection was developed using the monoclonal antibody 8B6 conjugated with colloidal gold as the detector antibody. A rabbit anti-CCV antibody was used as the capture complex at the test line, and a goat anti-mouse IgG antibody was used as the capture antibody at the control line. The strip was characterized in its specificity, sensitivity, and stability. In addition, an infection experiment was performed to test the applicability of the test strip. Result The strip was able to detect concentrations of the virus (104 tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/mL) and showed analytical specificity when tested against other viral pathogens. The strips were still usable after 30 days of storage at 60°C. It was possible to detect CCV experimentally in infected fish within 10–15 min of using the strip. Conclusions The strip can be used as a rapid and convenient tool for on-site diagnosis to control outbreaks and the spread of CCVD. Highlights The immunochromatographic strip was the first to be developed and applied for the detection of CCVD.