Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) are two of the most economically destructive viruses impacting the global swine industry. These pathogens cause severe illness and death in pig populations, leading to reduced productivity, increased veterinary expenses, and trade restrictions. Early and accurate detection, especially of infectious viral particles, is essential for managing outbreaks, improving biosecurity, and reducing financial losses. There is an urgent need for robust, field-deployable diagnostics that can distinguish between infectious and noninfectious virus particles in real time.
Conventional diagnostic methods like PCR and ELISA are limited in their ability to differentiate between infectious and noninfectious particles. PCR detects viral RNA regardless of viability, while ELISA depends on antibodies that often cannot discern subtle structural differences between active and inactivated viruses. These tests typically require laboratory infrastructure, trained personnel, and time-consuming processing. In addition, antibody reagents are prone to batch variability and degradation, reducing reliability in field settings. These limitations create a significant gap in rapid, on-site diagnostic capabilities needed for effective disease control.
This technology leverages DNA aptamers selected through SELEX to detect and distinguish infectious forms of PRRSV and PEDV from inactivated particles. These aptamers are engineered to bind structural features unique to infectious virions, enabling highly specific and sensitive detection. The system is compatible with multiple diagnostic formats, including lateral flow assays (LFAs) for point-of-care use, solid-phase assays for higher-throughput testing, and nanopore biosensors that detect virus-induced changes in ionic current. The platform accommodates diverse sample types such as blood, serum, swabs, and oral fluids, providing a practical solution for both veterinary clinics and on-farm deployment.
US Provisional filed 02/21/2025