Development and validation of a biomarker panel for rapid detection of Bluetongue virus in samples from ruminants and insect vectors of the genus Culicoides

• Grant number: 25/06071-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Liria Hiromi Okuda
• Grantee: Fabíola de Souza Lemes dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto Biológico (IB). Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11968-2 - Center of Technological Plataform on Animal Health, AP.CCD

Abstract

Bluetongue (BL) is an infectious disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants, of compulsory notification and is important for compliance with health protocols for the export of live animals. This disease is unsighted in cattle, but can be fatal in sheep and deer. There are currently 27 known serotypes, but little is known about the circulating types in Brazil. Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the vectors of the bluetongue virus (BTV). In the Neotropics, C. insignis is the only species confirmed as a vector, but in Brazil there have not been any record of infected midges. The mapping of BT in ruminants and the study of vectors allow understanding the dynamics of the disease, which is fundamental for epidemiological surveillance. Currently, BTV is diagnosed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which, although it is the gold standard method for molecular diagnosis, has some disadvantages, such as high cost and the need for specialized equipment. It should be noted that the Brazilian market does not have a specific RTq-PCR diagnostic kit for circulating genotypes. Given this scenario, it is necessary to develop effective technologies for more accurate diagnosis of BTV. Thus, this project aims to develop and validate a panel of biomarkers for rapid detection of BTV, using the RT-LAMP technique, in samples from domestic ruminants and vector insects of the genus Culicoides. Furthermore, the project will map the occurrence of the disease in the state of São Paulo, identifying the circulating viral genotypes and which Culicoides species are potential vectors. The results will enable a better understanding of the epidemiology of BT in the state and the implementation of epidemiological studies, since there is still no effective integrated action, in addition to developing more effective technology for the diagnosis of BTV in order to contribute to responding to the health demands presented by the production sector.