Development of a Multiplex Hand-held, Field-deployable Assay for the Detection of Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV), Crimean-Congo

VecTOR Test Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a hand-held, field-deployable multiplex assay capable of detecting and identifying TBEV, CCHFV, and/or Rickettsia in ticks collected from deployed military service areas. The proposed dipstick assays will provide results within 30 minutes and will be stable at ambient storage conditions. Assays developed in similar format for other arthropod vectors e.g. the mosquito vector for detection of Malaria circumsporozoite proteins, WNV, SLE, EEE, and WEE and have found commercial application. The development of easy to use tests will be important for detection of pathogens of military importance and will be useful in the commercial sector for vector surveillance and control programs.