WEBINAR: A Quick and Simple Molecular Diagnostic Test for Pond-Side Detection of Warm-Water Fish Pathogens
September 29th, 11 AM PST (2 PM EST)
Warm-water fish species like catfish and tilapia represent 65% of global farmed fish production. Disease caused by opportunistic pathogens is a significant threat to the aquaculture industry. The hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila (vAh) strain, as an example, has caused the cumulative loss of over 40 million pounds of channel catfish in Alabama alone.
Rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic species and their differentiation from commensal species is essential for disease management and the implementation of strategies to control the spread of infection. Varizymes has developed a simple point-of-care diagnostic test to detect Aeromonas (including vAh), Edwardsiella, Flavobacterium, and Streptococcus species based on the proprietary Varizymes TORCH™ mLAMP (multiplexed Loop-mediated isothermal AMPlification) platform.
You will learn:
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The results from a global survey of hypervirulent A. hydrophila, conducted to determine its geographical distribution, phylogeny, and potential transmission.
Dr. Mark Liles, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, and co-founder of Varizymes Corp.
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The science behind TORCH mLAMP: How the AqPathDx™ Test Kit was designed, and why it is better than qPCR-based methods. Test workflow, sensitivity and specificity will be discussed.
Dr. Yogesh Chander, Chief Technology Officer, Varizymes Corp.
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Real world examples of how the AqPathDx Test Kit is being applied at several Alabama fish farms.
Dr. Anita Kelly, Aquatic Diagnostician, Auburn University Alabama Fish Farming Center
Dr. Mark Liles is Professor of Microbiology and the Acting Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in Auburn University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM). His research focuses on metagenomic analysis of microbial communities, biological disease control using beneficial microbes, and the pathogenesis and control of virulent Aeromonas hydrophila in aquaculture. Dr. Liles is recognized as a leading innovator in microbiology with over 130 peer-reviewed publications, multiple patents, and the co-founding of several biotech companies including Varizymes Corporation and Terra Bioworks.
Dr. Yogesh Chander is the Chief Technology Officer at Varizymes Corporation, where he leads a team of scientists and engineers who are dedicated to developing the next generation of molecular diagnostic assays for rapid pathogen detection at point-of-care (PoC). He has over 15 years of experience in developing LAMP-based diagnostic assays and rapid sample preparation methods for use in PoC. He is also the architect of TORCH™ multiplex LAMP technology. He has published over 50 research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is PI/co-PI on multiple research grants funded by the USDA and CDC.
Dr. Anita M. Kelly is an Extension Professor at Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, where she specializes in providing fish health support and research for the catfish and shrimp industries in west Alabama. Her work focuses on aquatic animal disease management, extension outreach, and supporting the sustainability of regional aquaculture. Dr. Kelly’s professional experience includes over a decade as an Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff before joining Auburn University in 2019.
Varizymes
3220 Deming Way, Suite 160
Middleton, WI 53562