Visual detection of fowl adenovirus serotype 4 via a portable CRISPR/Cas13a-based lateral flow assay

The widespread occurrence of fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4)-induced hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) has led to significant economic losses for the poultry industry. A sensitive, accurate, and practical FAdV-4 diagnostic approach is urgently required to limit the incidence of the disease. In the present study, a practical method for detecting FAdV-4 was developed using the CRISPR/Cas13a system and recombinase-aided amplification. The approach was based on 37 degrees C isothermal detection with visible results being achieved. The detection limit of the target gene with this approach was only 10(1) copies/mu l, making it very sensitive and specific. Clinical samples fared well when tested with the Cas13a detection method. For identifying FAdV-4, this novel detection approach was found to be sensitive, specific, and effective.