Enhancement and confirmation of white spot syndrome virus detection using monoclonal antibody specific to VP26

A portion of the VP26 gene (VP26F109) encoding a structural protein of white spot syndrome virus was expressed, purified by SDS-PAGE and used for immunization of Swiss mice for monoclonal antibody (MAb) production. Three groups of MAbs specific to different epitopes on VP26 were selected; these MAbs can be used to detect natural WSSV infection in Penaeus vannamei using dot blotting, Western blotting or immunohistochemistry without cross-reaction with other shrimp tissues or other common shrimp viruses. The detection sensitivity of the MAbs was ranged 7-14 fmole per spot of the rVP26F109 as determined using dot blotting. A combination of three MAbs specific to VP26 with MAbs specific to VP28, VP19 and ICP11 increased the detection sensitivity of WSSV during early infection. Therefore, the MAbs specific to VP26 could be used to confirm and to enhance the detection sensitivity for WSSV infection in shrimp with various types of antibody-based assays.