Background:
Argulosis caused by Argulus sp., predominantly A. siamensis and A. japonicus, in India, is one of the most devastating and economically important diseases of freshwater aquaculture. It causes a loss to the tune of Rs 300 crores per annum to Indian freshwater aquaculture industry. Due to lack of classical taxonomist and the loss caused at the immature invisible state of this parasite to fish, it is highly essential to diagnose the parasite at an early state. Further, rapid detection and identification of the pathogen is of paramount significance for timely implementation of effective counter measures. Argulosis management measures should be species specific for far-reaching results because both species of Argulus demonstrate differences in species-specificity, infection and pathology patterns. Technology Details The Argulus PCR Detection Kit utilizes the polymerase chain reaction as the method in species specific identification of the two important Argulus sp., A. siamensis and A. japonicus. It is based on gene amplification of DNA fragments exclusively specific for each species. It is not only required for identification of species at the earliest with 100% accuracy but would render further study in developing vaccines or other control measures.