Development of real-time PCR assays for detection of megalocytiviruses in imported ornamental fish

Megalocytiviruses have been associated globally with severe systemic disease and economic loss in farmed food fish and ornamental fish. The viruses have been spread internationally by translocation of live fish. In New Zealand, megalocytiviruses are regarded as exotic. A potential pathway for introduction has been identified, namely imported ornamental fish. In the present study, real‐time PCR assays were developed for detection of megalocytiviruses using a conserved major capsid protein gene. A SYBR green assay was developed to target all known megalocytiviruses. A second real‐time PCR assay using a molecular beacon was developed to specifically target gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus, iridovirus, a species of iridovirus previously linked to ornamental fish imports in Australia. The analytical sensitivity for the SYBR green and molecular beacon assays were 10 and 100 fg, respectively. The analytical specificity of the real‐time PCR assays determined using genomic DNA templates from three target viruses, 12 non‐target viruses and 25 aquatic bacterial species were 100%. The intra‐run and inter‐run coefficients of variation of both assays were <5%. The real‐time PCR assays developed in this study provide rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of megalocytiviruses and gourami iridovirus.