Veterinary Pathogen Detection and Meat Speciation using qKASP, a Novel Method for Real-Time DNA Detection

KASP^TM (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) is a proprietary method based on allele-specific oligonucleotide extension, using universal fluorescent reporters for end-point detection. KASP has been widely adopted for SNP and insertion/deletion genotyping due to its robustness, flexibility and low cost. Billions of genotyping data points across hundreds of plant and animal species have been generated using KASP.

We set out to develop a method that extends the benefits of KASP into the realm of qPCR applications. Here we describe qKASP, a novel method that enables detection of DNA targets in real time using unlabelled assay-specific primers and universal FAM/HEX-based reporters.

qKASP assays have been accredited to ISO17025 standard to accurately determine the presence of a range of species in various meat products.

Furthermore, we developed and validated a portfolio of mastitis and other veterinary pathogen assays. Sensitivity down to 35 CFU/ml of bacterial target is being achieved from bovine milk samples in a routine service laboratory environment.