Monkey pox: Roche develops PCR virus detection tests
The tests developed by Roche are not intended for the general public but are available for research purposes in most countries of the world.
The recent outbreaks, with more than 250 cases already reported, are atypical, as they occur in countries where monkeypox, a disease characterized by skin lesions, is not endemic.
KEYSTONE/URS FLUEELER
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche announced on Wednesday that it has developed PCR tests to detect the monkeypox virus, following several cases emerged in parts of the world where the disease is not common.
These tests were developed by Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol, “in response to cases of infection with the monkeypox virus which have recently raised concerns,” he said in a press release.
“Roche has very quickly developed a new series of tests for the detection of the simian pox virus and the follow-up of its propagation”, observed the director of the Diagnostics division of Roche, quoted in the press release.
Already more than 250 reported cases
The recent outbreaks, with more than 250 cases already reported in 16 countries as of May 22 according to the World Health Organization, 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.
A first kit detects orthopoxviruses, including simianpox viruses, a second specifically detects simianpox viruses, while a third kit makes it possible to detect orthopoxviruses while specifying whether a simianpox virus is present or nope.
According to the 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, swabs of exudates (fluid produced by the wound) or crusts from lesions.
First detected in 1970
Monkeypox or monkeypox is – according to the WHO – a rare viral zoonosis (virus transmitted to humans by animals) whose symptoms are less severe than those observed in the past in subjects with smallpox.
With its eradication in 1980 and the subsequent discontinuation of smallpox vaccination, this orthopoxvirus emerged as the most important virus of its kind.
It occurs sporadically in parts of the tropical forests of Central and West Africa. The disease was first detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
In 2003, cases were confirmed in the United States, marking the first occurrence of this disease outside of Africa. Most had been in contact with domestic prairie dogs, infected with imported African rodents.
Posted today at 7:26 p.m.
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