Monkeypox Virus Detection Services

Creative Biolabs, a leading biotechnology company focused on monkeypox virus (MPXV) research, is a one-stop MPXV testing service provider. In our state-of-the-art lab, we have optimized many tests. We deliver results quickly in easy-to-understand reports to meet customer needs.

Overview of Monkeypox Virus Detection

MPXV belongs to the genus orthopoxvirus (OPXV, Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, Poxviridae), which is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus. It is further divided into two clades: the West African clade and the Congo Basin clade. The latter is more pathogenic. MPXV is the most pathogenic with a case fatality rate of 1-10% and an attack rate of 9% in the 1980s that was recently reassessed to 50% due to a decrease in the prevalence of smallpox vaccine.

MPXV Detection Methods at Creative Biolabs

Several diagnostic methods for the detection of MPXV are established with real-time PCR as the gold standard because of its high sensitivity and specificity. A simple and easy molecular diagnostic method will improve MPXV detection and monitoring.

• Real-time PCR Assay

Compared with other diagnostic methods, real-time PCR has the advantages of fast, high-quantity throughput and increased sensitivity. E9L-NVAR and B6R assays, two rapid real-time PCR assays for the detection of orthopoxvirus and MPXV DNA have been developed. The assays target different orthopoxvirus genes: DNA polymerase (E9L) and envelope protein (B6R). These assays are highly sensitive and specific. Neither assay gave false positive results for other viruses or bacteria that cause rash illness.

• Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay

A rapid method for the detection of MPXV using a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay targeting the G2R gene was developed. RPA was operated at a single constant temperature of 42℃ and produced results within 3 to 10 minutes. The MPXV-RPA-assay was highly sensitive with a limit of detection of 16 DNA molecules/μl. MPXV-RPA-assay is a suitable method for cases requiring detection of MPXV activity because of the rapid speed, high sensitivity, and specificity of RPA and the use of cold-chain independent reagents.

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture method and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against Orthopoxvirus antigen were used to detect the serum of patients. Antiviral IgG and IgM antibodies were detected to evaluate the reaction kinetics of antiviral IgG and IgM antibodies. An advantage of serological testing, unlike PCR, is that serological testing is not limited to short targets within the genome that can be manipulated to avoid detection.

Fig.1 Workflow of panPox qPCR assay design. (Luciani, 2021)

Creative Biolabs has the equipment and experience for MPXV detection and research. We work closely with our customers to develop cutting-edge technology platforms to support the need for anti-monkeypox drug research. If you are interested in our MPXV detection services or MPXV detection kit products, please feel free to contact us for more.