H9N2 avian influenza virus diagnostics utilizing specific high-sensitivity enzymatic molecular system termed RPA-based CRISPR-Cas13a.

Abstract

H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV), a major pathogen causing respiratory infections in poultry, poses a significant threat to the poultry industry and human health. Early detection and control of H9N2 infections are essential for minimizing economic losses and preventing potential zoonotic transmission. A novel CRISPR-Cas family member called CRISPR-Cas13a comprises the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and Cas13a nuclease. Through the crRNA-based reprogramming of Cas13a, a platform for sensing RNAs specifically is available. In this study, we developed a RPA-based CRISPR-Cas13a diagnostic method for rapid detection of the H9N2 AIV. The results demonstrated that at a limit of 10 copies/μL and 10copies/μL could be detected within 50 min, by fluorescence detection and lateral flow strip, respectively, offering a highly sensitive method for H9N2 detection. This method exhibited excellent specificity, distinguishing H9N2 from other pathogens. Furthermore, the RPA-Cas13a-based detection system was tested on clinical samples, showing comparable performance to RT-qPCR. The detection results were visualized using either lateral flow assays or fluorescence, making it a suitable tool for on-site, field-deployable diagnostics. In a word, this RPA-Cas13a diagnostic approach offers high reliability, sensitivity, and specificity, with promising potential for rapidly detecting H9N2 and other viral pathogens in clinical and food safety applications.