Introduction

Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Detection (IHHNV) has been widely reported as one of the major viral diseases in shrimp culture industry. It is known to be transmitted both vertically and horizontally. This single strand, negative sense DNA virus can cause mass mortality for L. stylirostris and runt deformity syndrome (RDS) for L. vannamei. Recent research findings pointed out that there was a close correlation between IHHNV and muscle whitening syndrome. Although IHHNV may not affect the growth of P. monodon significantly, however, recent research results also pointed out that it would influence the survival rate of the P. monodon broodstocks. Thus, the economic loss caused by this virus has been underestimated for a long time.

PCR technique has been commonly employed in the aquaculture industry for disease diagnosis and prevention. But building up a PCR lab is expensive and technician required. These make PCR detection limited in big farms. In order to provide pond-side PCR detection system for everyone in need, we introduced an innovative system - IQ Plus into the market. IQ Plus system using a new technology - insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR), which is a compact and portable system and can detect IHHNV within 1 hour. The extraction procedure has been simplified to an easy way for everyone can easily perform the assay. IQ Plus system would be a useful tool for aquaculture pathogen detection and prevention anytime anywhere.