Development of molecular diagnostic tests for marine mammal DNA viruses, herpesvirus, poxvirus, and anellovirus, using a portable biomeme Franklin thermocycler

Abstract

Infectious disease-related mass mortality events (ID-MMEs) in marine mammals have increased dramatically over the past 30 years, and viruses have been identified as the primary cause. This study validates the development and utility of point-of-care diagnostics using handheld devices. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), we developed and validated a portable diagnostic method for detecting viruses infecting marine mammals in field applications. Specifically, the Franklin portable thermocycler was used to demonstrate the feasibility of field diagnostics for marine mammal viruses. Portable devices enable rapid point-of-care diagnostics and have high mobility to detect viral transmission and variants in resource-limited settings for early response. This device enables rapid and accurate diagnosis of marine mammal viruses in resource-limited environments, facilitating timely intervention to mitigate the spread of infection to marine ecosystems and other species, including humans. Despite these advances, several challenges remain, including the optimization of DNA extraction for point-of-care diagnostics and obtaining clinical samples. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential value of point-of-care diagnostic tests in response to viral diseases in marine mammals.