International Authorized Distributers

FAQ for RP Kit

2  Is WSSV RP Rapid Test Kit applicable for samples of fishmeal and shrimp feed (dry feed like a powder or small pellets)?

Ans:  

  Our current target for the rapid test kit is shrimp tissues, and we have not conducted tests for fishmeal or feed at this time.

  We have received inquiries from customers regarding the possibility of viral contamination in fishmeal used in feed.

We understand that during the high-temperature processing of the feed, viruses typically become inactive and lose their infectivity.

However, the high sensitivity of nucleic acid tests may sometimes lead to false-positive results due to the presence of residual viral nucleic acid fragments, which can be a challenge. 

   The rapid test kit we offer is designed to detect viral proteins, which are more susceptible to degradation during the manufacturing process.

    This implies that the kit may indicate the presence of actively infective viruses.

However, there are two important considerations to keep in mind:

        (1)          The sensitivity of our immunological rapid test kit is not as high as QPCR nucleic acid detection.

 (2)          Feed ingredients may contain inhibitors that could affect the result, which may require further testing to confirm accuracy.

3. How does the Limit of Detection (LOD) of the WSSV RP Rapid Test Kit compare to qPCR results?

    Ans:

   Regarding the Limit of Detection (LOD), it is crucial to understand that the WSSV RP test kit operates as an antigen test, and the LOD (0.4ng) has been established through antigen detection rather than nucleic acid analysis which qPCR test does.  A direct comparison between platforms can offer a general understanding of their correlation, but it cannot precisely gauge the LOD of the antigen test kit, similar to comparing COVID-19 rapid test kits with QPCR tests. Factors such as the time lag between virus replication and target protein expression, individual variations, and fluctuations in virus replication and protein expression rates pose challenges in establishing a direct correlation.

  The LOD assessment, conducted through serial dilution of heavily infected cases with approximately 100 copies, may not accurately represent the LOD of our kit. However, based on our comprehensive evaluation data obtained from production shrimps, the WSSV RP Test Kit demonstrates the capability to detect samples with WSSV DNA levels ranging from 300-1,000 copies (Plasmid standard). This range is approximately equivalent to a qPCR CT value of 31-32.

FAQ for QD Kit

1  How to select the extraction kit for QD products?

Ans:   

    We offer both the Easy Lysis extraction kit and the CTAB/DTAB extraction kit for our QPCR test kit products. The Easy Lysis kit is designed for pleopod DNA extraction, while the CTAB/DTAB kit serves the purpose of DNA extraction, especially for challenging samples like hepatopancreas. But some of our customers still request the Easy Lysis kit because it is easier to use and saves time. 

  All of our QD kits include an internal control shrimp target that monitors inhibition in each reaction. However, for intricate samples like EHP spores, the Easy Lysis kit's lysis efficiency isn't as robust as the CTAB/DTAB tests. The choice depends on the customer's sensitivity requirements, as the difference is subtle based on their specific samples and needs.

2.      How we positioning the VP QD Kit and AHPND QD Kit?

Ans :  

  The AHPND kit target is the toxin gene pirA/B, not VP(Vibrio parahaemolyticus), and the target of the VP kit is a specific target gene of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The toxin plasmid (containing the toxin gene) could be found in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and many other strains of Vibrio. So direct detecting the toxin gene is the better way. 

  The request was made for the VP kit of some customers; they maybe want to align it with the results of the TCBS plate because it can specifically identify Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

3 .      Do you have reference sites for these kits globally? 

Ans . 

  Our testing laboratory, “Molecular biology laboratory, Seeing Bioscience,” could be the reference site; it’s the only commercial laboratory with the item WSSV and AHPND ISO17025-certified.

  There are only three ISO17025-certified labs with item WSSV in Taiwan; the other two are “The International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture (ICDSA), National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)” and “The Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture.” For AHPND only got ICDSA and our lab. And we did interlaboratory tests with ICDSA regularly. The ICDSA is WOAH (OIE) reference laboratory of WSSV (only 3 in the world) and AHPND (only 2 in the world).

  We plan to apply for the WOAH certificate for our WSSV QD kit, and all the tests were completed in 2018. (Including international testing within labs in Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand ) Still, WOAH is changing its regulation and not accepting any new applications until it’s down. (it will take about two years).

FAQ for Inno A1

1. How does WSSV protection work?
Ans:   It has to be tested with the feed production process.

2. Is Inno A1  for WSSV cures?
Ans:   It's for prevention, blocks the infection chain, but could not cure infected shrimps. (Almost no drug can cure virus disease, for example, COVID-19)

3. How to calculate Inno A1 quanity per one ton of feed?
Ans:   Active ingredients around 500g/ton.

             Each 1 g Inno A1 could be mixed with 2Kg feed.

4. How to use?

Ans:   Coating on the feed

5. What's the stage of shrimps need Inno-A1?

Ans:   Since the infection of WSSV to shrimp is for all the stages, we do recommend to keep to use Inno A1 with feeds all the time.