Researchers Develop Rapid Testing for Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus

Researchers from China have developed a fast and highly sensitive CRISPR-based test to detect Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV), a disease that causes anemia and immune dysfunction, resulting in major economic losses for farmers. The new method uses the CRISPR-Cas12a system to improve accuracy and the rate of virus detection.

The study optimized a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence assay by integrating it with enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA). This optimization allowed the test to detect extremely small amounts of viral genetic material. The researchers also created a CRISPR-Cas12a lateral flow assay to enable visual detection of target analytes without the need for complex laboratory equipment.

Results showed that the fluorescence assay could detect CIAV at levels as low as one copy per microliter, while the lateral flow test achieved reliable detection with a sensitivity of 10³ copies per microliter. The system showed high specificity, with no cross-reactivity with other common chicken viruses. The researchers concluded that this CRISPR-based detection method offers a rapid, cost-effective tool for early CIAV detection to support better disease monitoring and control in poultry production.

For more information, read the abstract from Research in Veterinary Science.