Technologies developed/transferred

Immunostimulant for shrimp health management (Aquastim)
An immunostimulant (Aquastim) containing bacterin, lipopolysaccharides, and yeast glucans has been developed. Laboratory studies indicate that administration of the immunostimulant by immersion or through feed stimulates the immune system of shrimp. In hatcheries, use of the immunostimulant has been shown to improve survival by over 20%.

Kit for rapid detection of Vibrio harveyi in hatcheries

A PCR-based test for rapid detection of V. harveyi in hatchery water and P. monodon larvae has been developed. This kit helps assess the quality of P. monodon larvae and monitors hatchery water, eggs, and larvae for the presence of this serious pathogen.

1. PCR kits for the detection of white spot syndrome virus, Monodon baculovirus, hepatopancreatic parvovirus, infections hypodermal, hematopoietic necrosis virus, and Laem Singh virus have been developed.

Combi kit for simultaneous detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and monodon baculovirus (MBV)

The COMBI WSSV-MBV kit detects very low levels of WSSV and MBV in shrimp by a DNA amplification method in a single reaction. The kit employs nested amplification, which is 103-104 times more sensitive than the normal one-step PCR. The method is simple and takes only 6 hours from sample preparation to results.

LUMINIL – Bacteriophage therapy

Oligonucleotide probe for the detection and enumeration of Vibrio species in aquaculture systems

Colony hybridization
Vibrio species are serious shrimp pathogens causing mortality in hatcheries and grow-out systems. Vibrio counts in hatchery systems and shrimp ponds are considered an indicator of system health, with higher counts indicating poor health. A specific oligonucleotide probe for enumerating Vibrios by colony hybridization after plating in a non-selective agar medium, such as Tryptone soya agar, has been developed.

Development of recombinant protein vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila causes motile aeromonad septicemia, leading to great economic losses for the fish-farming industry. A recombinant vaccine developed against this pathogen has provided high protection (RPS ~ 65%) when challenged with A. hydrophila.

Development of recombinant protein vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda

Edwardsiella tarda causes Edwardsiellosis, characterized by septicemia with extensive skin lesions and swelling in fish. We have developed a recombinant vaccine with high protection (RPS ~70%) when challenged with E. tarda.

Rapid detection of Aeromonas hydrophila by PCR and dot blot

Rapid detection of Edwardsiella tarda by PCR

A PCR method for rapid detection of E. tarda, targeting a common gene, has been developed.