Development of an immunochromatographic test to detect White Spot Syndrome Virus of shrimp

A rapid, single step, sensitive and specific immunochromatographic test (ICT) is described for detecting white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) using anti-WSSV monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 2E6 and 2A3, labeled with colloidal gold as a detection reagent and anti-WSSV MAb 1D5 as a capture antibody immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane (NCM). The test process was completed within 10 min without incubation or any other equipment. A reddish color at the site of immune reaction on NCM indicated a positive result and 1 μg/ml of WSSV could be detected. The assay sensitivity could be increased to 0.01 μg/ml by silver enhancement. The sensitivity of ICT was similar to that of dot-blot nitrocellulose enzyme immunoassay (DB-NC-EIA). However, ICT is a method that is more convenient and can be quickly performed pond side without false positive results.