Thumbnail Image

DNA-based molecular diagnostic techniques: research needs for standardization and validation of the detection of aquatic animal pathogens and diseases.

Report and proceedings of the Expert Workshop on DNA-based Molecular Diagnostic Techniques: Research Needs for Standardization and Validation of the Detection of Aquatic Animal Pathogens and Diseases. Bangkok, Thailand, 7-9 February 1999.

Year of publication 2000

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 93

Author Peter Walker and Rohana Subasinghe

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 9251044201

Series title FAO Fisheries Technical Paper

Series number 0429-9345 - T395

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In efforts to limit trans-boundary movement of pathogens and reduce the economic and socioeconomic impact of disease in aquaculture, there is considerable scope for more effective use of DNA-based methods of pathogen detection. These technologies offer rapid results with potentially high sensitivity and specificity, at relatively low cost. Recognition of these advantages has led to rapid adoption of available DNA-based tests, particularly in shrimp culture for which histological procedures lack specificity and culture-based methods have not been possible. However, few if any of the available tests have been assessed appropriately against other diagnostic methods or standardized and validated for specified applications. In fish and shrimp, type or strain specificity of most tests for pathogens in the Asian region is poorly understood and, in molluscs, there is little information on the significant pathogens and few tests of any kind have been developed. Furthermore, tests presently avai lable are frequently conducted by technicians who may not be sufficiently aware of the need for stringent test protocols or the meaning and limitations of the data generated. Implementation of standardized practices that produce reliable, useful and comparable data will require a significant investment in research, training and infrastructure development. Effective implementation will also be assisted by enhanced communication between aquatic animal health practitioners in the region and scienti sts with expertise in molecular diagnostic technologies. This review recommends development by FAO/NACA of 2 programs of managed cooperative research to assist more effective use of DNA-based detection tests. Program A should focus on improving the knowledge base by identification of new and emerging pathogens, relating pathogens in the region to those described elsewhere, and defining the extent of genetic variation between related pathogens in the region. Program B should draw on information currently available or obtained from Program A to develop suitably specific DNA-based diagnostic methods and to evaluate and validate the methods for disease diagnosis and pathogen screening programs. To increase the availability of scientists and technicians with skills in pathology and molecular diagnostic technologies, the review also recommends development of FAO/NACA-sponsored training programs for staff from key laboratories in the region. Training priorities should be in: i) the use of standard histopathological methods for health screening of fish and molluscs; and ii) the use of standard DNA-based methods for pathogen detection including sample collection, application of test protocols and the analysis and interpretation of test results. Because of the urgency of disease problems and the availability of suitable tests, training in DNA-based methods should focus initially on detection of shrimp pathogens. The review also recommends the development of a laboratory accredita tion program in order to achieve standardization of sampling methods and test procedures. The establishment of reference laboratories will assist accreditation for each of the major pathogens. Laboratory accreditation and training programs should complement the activities of OIE in obtaining internationally agreed test standards for molecular diagnostic technologies.

Cite this content as:

Walker, P. and Subasinghe, R. (eds.) DNA-based molecular diagnostic techniques: research needs for standardization and validation of the detection of aquatic animal pathogens and diseases. Report and proceedings of the Joint FAO/NACA/CSIRO/ACIAR/DFID Expert Workshop. Bangkok, Thailand, 7-9 February 1999. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No.395. Rome, FAO. 2000. 93p.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    The living marine resources of the Western Central Atlantic. Volume 1. Introduction, molluscs, crustaceans, hagfishes, sharks, batoid fishes and chimaeras. 2002
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This is the first of a three volumes field guide that covers the species of interest to fisheries of the major marine resources groups exploited in the Western Central Atlantic. The area of coverage includes FAO Fishing Area 31. The marine resources groups included in this volume are the bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods stomatopods, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, hagfishes, sharks, batoid fishes and chimaeras. The introductory chapter outlines the environmental, ecological and biogeographical factor s influencing the marine biota and the basic components of the fisheries in the Western Central Atlantic. See also other volumes related to this series:
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Shrimp infectious myonecrosis strategy manual 2019
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This Shrimp infectious myonecrosis strategy manual provides key information for national policy-makers relevant to the development of contingency plans for countries, producers and other stakeholders with regard to outbreaks of infectious myonecrosis (IMN), a viral disease of farmed marine penaeid shrimp that is listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). IMN is a viral disease, discovered in 2002, that has caused substantial mortalities in populations of cultured Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) initially reported in Brazil (2002) and Indonesia (2006) and recently in India (2016) and Malaysia (2018). The purpose of this manual is to provide support for the various components of a national contingency plan. The information provided includes: (1) the nature of IMN: providing a brief review of disease etiology, susceptible species and global distribution; (2) diagnosis of infection: describing the gross clinical signs of disease, field diagnostic methods, differential and laboratory methods for diagnosis; (3) prevention and treatment: providing information on vaccination, and resistance and immunity of the hosts; (4) epidemiology: providing information on IMNV’s geographic distribution, persistence in the environment, modes of transmission, vectors and reservoir hosts, factors influencing disease transmission and expression, and impact of the disease; (5) principles of control and eradication: describing the methods and (6) policy development and implementation: summarizing the overall policy, IMN-specific objectives, problems, overview of response options, strategies for eradication and control, capacity building and funding and compensation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    The living marine resources of the Western Central Atlantic. Volume 3. Bony fishes part 2 (Ophistognathidae to Molidae) sea turtles and marine mammals 2002
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This is the third of a three volumes field guide that covers the species of interest to fisheries of the major marine resources groups exploited in the Western Central Atlantic. The area of coverage includes FAO Fishing Area 31. The marine resources groups included in this volume are the Bony fishes part 2 Ophistognathidae to Molidae) sea turtles and marine mammals. The introductory chapter outlines the environmental, ecological and biogeographical factors influencing the marine biota and the ba sic components of the fisheries in the Western Central Atlantic. See also other volumes related to this series:
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.