Work Package 3 (WP3) of PANDASIA has collaborated with expert partners to design a PAN viral PCR protocol for a standardized virus detection method. This is an important part of a comprehensive screening strategy for viral pathogens in collected samples.  

On June 11, 2024, Prof. Chamsai Pientong (WP3 lead) and Dr. Hans Overgaard (the PANDASIA’s principal investigator, invertebrates team lead) presented a preliminary schedule and methodology for the standardized virus detection method to facilitate member preparation and equipment organization. An integrated sampling framework was developed, enabling both teams to gather samples in parallel. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Chamsai Pientong cited lessons learned from previous field excursions.

On June 14, 2024, WP3 held a meeting and conducted laboratory testing with partners to focus on specific zoonotic viruses, including Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Hantaviridae, Poxviridae, Hapeviridae, and Filoviridae. The early success of the single-PCR amplification showcased extensive detection abilities for viral pathogens. Building on this, WP3 will leverage this data to design a multiplex PCR-based protocol to enhance efficiency and streamline the virus detection process.