Use of nanoparticles to development of kits for Porcine Circoviruses 2 (PCV-2) quantification

Abstract

In 2018, Brazil hit its hog slaughter record with 44.20 million head. Although this number is encouraging a major problem related not only to national but international production is Porcine Circoviruses. The disease is caused by the PCV-2 that presents in a pathogenic way. The virus is very resistant to environmental factors and disinfectants causing in animals progressive weight loss, depletion and death. Today, PCV- 2 is the pathological agent that most affects swine farming causing serious losses in the economy. The diagnosis is made by evaluating the clinical signals associated with laboratory tests such as PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase and hybridization. However, both methodologies have as limitations a high cost by analysis of the samples, besides needing specialized people and specific equipment. That is why it is necessary to develop a new reliable and low-cost methodology for rapid diagnosis. Biosensors have been highlighting in the technological area as an analytical tool that can identify the presence of pathogens using as base gold nanoparticles. The objective of the present project is to develop and standardize colorimetric kits for the rapid and efficient diagnosis of PCV-2 virus in samples with viral load e 105 particles/mL of serum using gold nanoparticles modified with the deposition of specific antibodies which bind to the antigen providing an immediate change of color. This is a new technique that will provide a quick, simple and low cost diagnosis compared to the usual methodologies. (AU)