A Multiplexed Assay for the Detection of Pathogens of Military Importance in Sand Flies

VecTOR Test Systems, Inc. proposes to develop and produce the Leishmania/SFFV antigen panel assay, a field usable assay for detection and differentiation of Leishmania parasites as well as Sand fly fever viruses (SFFVs) in sand fly vectors. The proposed assays will be performed in a rapid, one-step immuno-chromatographic process for detection of various epidemiologically relevant Leishmania sp such as L. major, L. tropica, L donovani, as well as SFFVs in infected sand-flies. The technology is based on the simple and reliable wicking immuno-chromatographic detection method by which sensitive test-strip based assays provide results in less than 30 minutes. The proposed dipstick assays will be stable at ambient storage conditions. During Phase I, a sufficient number of tests will be developed for evaluation. The antigen assay will be important to rapidly identify and differentiate sand flies infected with specific pathogens for surveillance and focus control activities. Assays developed in similar format for mosquito vector for detection of Malaria circumsporozoite protein, 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 as well as the commercial sector for vector surveillance and control programs.