In-field Detection Instrument for Rapid Screening of Avian Influenza Viruses

描述（由申请人提供）： 该第一阶段项目建议使用正在申请专利的基于生物纳米珠的样品制备程序来研究禽流感（AI）病毒的捕获和浓缩，并使用获得专利的毛细管免疫传感器对捕获的病毒进行特异性检测。新的样品制备技术可以允许从几乎任何样品来源分离和浓缩目标病毒：口咽拭子，粪便或血液。在第二阶段，样本预处理和生物传感器检测将完全集成到现场检测设备中，用于快速筛查家禽群中的禽流感感染。迫切需要快速的现场分析，以便快速隔离AI阳性的鸡群，以防止病毒的进一步传播。然而，竞争的AI检测技术中没有一个设想到如本文所提出的从样本采集到AI病毒筛查的现场检测仪器。拟议的测试仪器将是全自动的，可以在家禽舍之间运输，以评估个别家禽的禽流感状况。这种设置将允许单个技术人员在一天内筛选多个鸡群，并且可以在运输屠宰之前纳入鸡群收集程序。整个系统的便携性将允许在远程位置监测商业和家庭家禽群，并将彻底改变监测和控制致病性禽流感病毒传播和突变的能力。该设备的开发将使家禽生产管理人员能够快速遵守OIE（世界动物卫生组织）关于商业家禽经营中AI识别的标准。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase I project proposes to investigate the capture and concentration of avian influenza (AI) viruses using a patent-pending, bio-nanobead based sample preparation procedure and specific detection of the captured viruses with a patented capillary immunosensor. The novel sample preparation technique may allow for isolation and concentration of a target virus from almost any sample source: oropharyngeal swabs, droppings or blood. In Phase II, the sample pretreatment and the biosensor assay will be fully integrated into an in-field testing device for rapid screening of AI infection in poultry flocks. There is an urgent need for rapid on-site analysis that allows an AI-positive flock to be quickly quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. However, none of the competing AI detection technologies have envisioned an in-field detection instrument that is complete from sample acquisition to AI virus screening as is proposed here. The proposed testing instrument will be fully automated and can be transported between poultry houses to assess the AI status of individual flocks. This set up would allow a single technician to screen multiple flocks within one day and could be incorporated into the flock collection procedure prior to transport for slaughter. The portability of the complete system would allow both commercial and family flocks of domestic birds to be monitored in remote locations and would revolutionize the ability to monitor and control the spread and mutation of pathogenic AI viruses. The development of this device would allow poultry production managers to rapidly comply with OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) standards regarding the identification of AI in commercial poultry operations.