Virology: Current Research

Evaluation of Flinders Technology Associates Cards as a Non-lethal Sampling Device for Molecular Diagnosis of Betanodavirus in Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)

Abstract

K Kirti, P Ezhil Praveena, T Bhuvaneswari and KP Jithendran

This study aimed to evaluate the utility and efficiency of the Flinders Technology Associates (FTA®) Elute Card (Whatman®) as a sampling device and storage platform for RNA from Betanodavirus infected biological sample (viz., cell culture supernatant). The retrieval of target RNA from FTA Elute Card discs with a diameter ranging from 1.2 - 2 mm was found to be satisfactory for detection of Betanodavirus by reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR). The viral RNA on the cards could be detected by RT-nPCR for a minimum period of 30 days of storage at 4°C, though at lower efficiency after 21 days of storage. In conclusion, FTA cards protocol provides a supplementary method for quick and easy collection of samples, preservation of RNA on a dry storage basis and detection of Betanodavirus infected fish.