ELISA Reagents for Flavivirus

Analyte specific reagents (ASRs) have been developed for detecting Flavivirus antibodies using a recombinent protein antigen.

Laboratory diagnosis of Flavivirus (West Nile virus, or WNV) infection is through detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to WNV in serum. Positive detection of IgM antibodies is confirmed using neutralization. Viral detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly specific but may not yield positive results at the time patients show clinical symptoms. The ASRs were developed by Focus Technologies (Herndon, VA, USA; www.focustechnologies.com), using a recombinant protein antigen licensed from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA).

Two ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) ASR configurations are available. One is an antigen pack for public health laboratories as a replacement for antigen previously supplied by the CDC. The second, IgG and IgM reagent packs, is for commercial laboratories and hospitals. Focus also markets test kits for Arboviruses, a group of mosquito-borne pathogens that can cause encephalitis.

"Our extensive experience has allowed us to respond rapidly to the current market need for high-quality reagents for this important disease,” said Charles C. Harwood, Jr., CEO and president of Focus Technologies.