Monkeypox virus
Description
The MPXV dtec-qPCR comprises a series of specific targeted reagents designed for Monkeypox virus detection by using qPCR. Monkeypox virus is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. The virus is responsible of the monkeypox disease affecting different animals, including humans. Monkeypox is endemic in tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa but since 2003 some outbreaks occur periodically in different countries as United States, Sudan, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Singapore… Nevertheless, in 2022 a new outbreak started in Europe which affected up to 12 non-endemic countries around the world (data 21st May). Symptoms begin with fever, headache, muscle pains, swollen lymph nodes, and feeling tired. Additionally, this is followed by a rash that forms blisters and crusts over. The primary route of infection is thought contact with infected animals or their body fluids. The design is based on a genetic marker used by scientists from CDC-Atlanta but taking another fragment that is inclusive for all the sequences of Monkeypox virus available up-to-date at the NCBI database (National Center for Biotechnology Information). To verify exclusivity in silico, a comparison with all data available was performed, focussing on the most phylogenetically related viruses according to the current taxonomy of Orthopoxvirus (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, ICTV), for instance, Cowpox virus, Vaccinia virus, and Smallpox virus.
The assay has been thoroughly reviewed for inclusivity against 7,378 Monkeypox virus sequences deposited in public databases worldwide. It has sown a 100 % inclusivity for all of them up to date (22nd August 2024). Moreover, the checked sequences include those from the Kivu region (Congo Basin, Central Africa), where the new clade Ib originated.
In addition, due to the current Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), this design is under daily review to ensure detection of new emerging clades.
Kit Content and Prices
GPS™ primers and probes are sold for research use only
All GPS™ Kits are available in F100 and MONODOSE Format
GPS™ reagents are compatible with all qPCR devices