Image created by Dr. Michael J. Miller
Researchers from China have developed a fast and highly sensitive CRISPR-based test to detect Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV), a disease that causes anemia and immune dysfunction, resulting in major economic losses for farmers. The new method uses the CRISPR-Cas12a system to improve accuracy and the rate of virus detection.
The study optimized a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence assay by integrating it with enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA). This optimization allowed the test to detect extremely small amounts of viral genetic material. The researchers also created a CRISPR-Cas12a lateral flow assay to enable visual detection of target analytes without the need for complex laboratory equipment.
Results showed that the fluorescence assay could detect CIAV at levels as low as one copy per microliter, while the lateral flow test achieved reliable detection with a sensitivity of 103 copies per microliter. The system showed high specificity, with no cross-reactivity with other common chicken viruses. The researchers concluded that this CRISPR-based detection method offers a rapid, cost-effective tool for early CIAV detection to support better disease monitoring and control in poultry production.
Reference
Chenchen Sheng, Jingfang Wang, Mengyuan Tan, jingwen Zhang, Mengran Sun, Jiumeng Sun, Ying Shao, Jian Tu, Liangqiang Zhu, Xiangjun Song. Establishment of detection method of chicken infectious anemia virus based on CRISPR/Cas12a system. Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 201, 2026.
Abstract
Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) causes chicken infectious anemia, characterized by anemia and immune dysfunction. The rapid dissemination of this virus is generating substantial economic consequences for poultry producers. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is widely used for virus detection through crRNA-guided target recognition and the paracrine activity of Cas12a. To enable rapid and highly sensitive detection of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV), a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence assay was refined. Through optimization of the CRISPR/Cas12a system and integration of enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA), the assay achieved a detection limit of 1 copy/μL, demonstrating its significant utility for CIAV diagnostics. In addition, a CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow assay was developed and optimized, achieving a sensitivity of 10^3 copies/μL for the rapid and visual detection of target analytes. This technique exhibits high specificity for CIAV, showing no cross-reactivity with other chicken viruses. Overall, the system enables rapid CIAV detection with cost-effective equipment, making it suitable for virus monitoring.