Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche has announced that it has developed PCR tests for the detection of monkeypox virus in response to recent outbreaks of the disease that have raised concern around the world.
The tests were developed by Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol, “in response to the cases of simian pox virus infection that have recently raised concerns,” the Swiss group said in a statement, released Thursday.
“Roche has very quickly developed a new series of tests for the detection of simian smallpox virus and monitoring its spread,” observed the head of Roche’s diagnostics division, quoted in the statement.
Recent outbreaks of the disease are atypical, as they occur in countries where monkeypox, a disease characterized by skin lesions, is not endemic. The tests developed by Roche are not intended for the general public but are available for research purposes in most countries of the world.
One kit detects orthopoxviruses, including simian pox viruses, a second kit specifically detects simian pox viruses, while a third kit detects orthopoxviruses while indicating whether or not a simian pox virus is present.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease should be detected with a PCR test because antigenic tests cannot determine whether it is monkeypox virus or other related viruses.
The best samples for diagnosis come from lesions, swabbing of exudates (fluid produced by the wound), or crusts of lesions. Monkeypox or simian orthopoxviruses is – according to the WHO – a rare viral zoonosis (virus transmitted to humans by animals) whose symptoms resemble in less severity those observed in the past in people with smallpox.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.