Columbia Technology Ventures

Diagnosis of viral disease in tilapia populations

This technology provides nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences that can be used to detect and diagnose Tilapia Lake Virus.

Unmet Need: Methods for detection of Tilapia Lake Virus in wild and farmed fish populations

In recent years, the catch quantities of tilapia, one of the top groups of farmed fish worldwide, have been persistently declining. Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) has been identified as the primary causal agent of ultimately death in both wild and farmed tilapia from the Sea of Galilee in Israel to fisheries in South America. Methods to detect TiLV in animals are needed to protect tilapia for both fish farming and wildlife preservation applications.

The Technology: Biomarkers for rapid identification of Tilapia Lake Virus

This technology identifies nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences that are associated with TiLV and can be used to develop diagnostic assays for the virus. These gene and protein sequences can be used with existing high-throughput screening methods, such as DNA amplification- or antibody-based assays, to develop specific tests for TiLV. As tilapia are the second most farmed fish worldwide and are important for sustainability of ecological systems, the development of tools to monitor tilapia health have significant potential economic and ecological impact.

The presence of TiLV and its specificity for the disease has been confirmed via PCR in fish with and without the disease.

Applications:

  • Development of diagnostic assays for Tilapia Lake Virus
  • Tools to monitor health of wild and farmed tilapia populations

Advantages:

  • Compatible with existing high-throughput screening methods
  • Identifies genetic and protein sequences that are highly specific to Tilapia Lake Virus

Lead Inventor:

W. Ian Lipkin, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU15044

  • Licensing Contact: Ron Katz