The Native Antigen Company Zika Virus IgG/IgM/IgA ELISA assay is designed for the detection of Zika-specific antibodies in human serum. It is minimally cross-reactive with antibodies to Dengue virus and so can be used to distinguish human anti-Zika antibodies from other flavivirus and infectious disease antibodies. Previous assays have been time-consuming, cumbersome and have been unable to reliably distinguish between Zika and Dengue. However, the Zika Virus ELISA has an assay time of only 2 hours, with specificity and sensitivity both in excess of 90%, even in regions endemic with Dengue. Due to the novel assay format, the test may also be used in any species, making it of particular value for studying animal models of Zika infection.
In an independent assessment of the Zika Virus IgG/IgM/IgA ELISA kit, external researchers reported a sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 92.1%. This compared favourably with direct testing against a market-leading IgG assay that exhibited only 69.4% specificity.
Dr Andy Lane, Commercial Director at The Native Antigen Company said, “The launch of these next generation assays represents a significant leap forward for Zika virus detection and monitoring, which to date has always been hampered by Zika’s cross-reactivity with dengue. The impact of this exciting development will be seen across academia, public health and the pharmaceutical industry.”
In addition to the kits, The Native Antigen Company also offers an extensive range of Zika virus antigens, both expressed as recombinant proteins in a mammalian expression system and as native viral preparations. Further products include NS1 proteins (from both the prototypic Uganda strain and from the Suriname strain responsible for the major outbreak in 2016) and Zika Virus-like particles (VLPs).
About Zika virus
Zika is a Flavivirus transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. Human infection results in mild fever, rash, myalgia, arthralgia and headache, but is often asymptomatic. In pregnant women, Zika poses serious risk with infection of the foetus linked to microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities. In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that Zika infection associated with microcephaly and other neurological disorders constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Due to similar symptoms, individuals infected with the Zika virus can easily be misdiagnosed as a dengue infection and vice-versa. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available for Zika virus infection.
About The Native Antigen Company
Founded in 2010, The Native Antigen Company has rapidly become one of the world’s leading suppliers of infectious disease reagents. The company’s goal is to develop and provide products that help overcome the challenges presented by infectious diseases around the world. Such cutting-edge reagents enable research into vaccine development and diagnostics that will ultimately reduce the burden of global infection. Customers include global pharmaceutical vaccine manufacturers, large diagnostic companies and leading academic groups. The Native Antigen Company is committed to providing truly excellent service and establishes close and long-term relationships with partners and customers. www.thenativeantigencompany.com
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