Project Number: 5410-32000-016-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jun 01, 2005
End Date: Apr 30, 2009

Objective:
The long-term goal of this research is the development of an assay system for viral infectious agents that is highly portable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use by relatively untrained personnel.

Approach:
Develop of a number of assays for viral targets using Raman immunoassays and solution RNA hybridization assays. The basic principle of the Raman assays is that Raman resonance is enhanced when the dye is close proximity to a metal colloid. Standard ELISA and in solution hybridization assays will be modified to take utilize this novel detection system. West Nile virus and the related Saint Louis Enchephalitits viruses will be the specific targets for this project.