This summer, I will be working towards determining the nucleotide sequence of the major capsid protein gene of what is proposed to be Lymphocystis Disease Virus (LCDV). The DNA samples that I will be trying to sequence were isolated from disease samples taken from yellow Perch inhabiting northern Alberta lakes. The reason for determining the sequence of this gene is twofold; it will aid in the identification of the virus, and it will also allow a diagnostic test to be developed for the virus. In order to do this I will be employing sensitive molecular techniques. 

 To determine the relationship between a virus isolate from yellow perch and previously characterized virus isolates, as well as to develop a diagnostic test for this same virus.

 This project is important because the manifestation of LCDV may be indicative of a suppressed immune system in the fish it affects, and a diagnostic test would allow researchers to determine the presence of the virus in carriers as well as in fish manifesting the disease.

 So far this summer I have managed to determine approximately 90% of the nucleotide sequence of the major capsid protein gene of LCDV isolated from yellow perch.