Ebola virus causes severe haemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Human-to-human transmission is through contact with body fluids, and recent well-documented outbreaks occurred during 2013–2015 in West Africa. The natural reservoir of this RNA virus is thought to be bats, and several strains of the virus have emerged, including the Zaire, Sudan and Bundi variants.
ViroStat has now introduced new sets of monoclonal antibodies to two of the significant antigens of this virus; nucleoprotein (NP) and VP40. These antibodies function in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot with both the Zaire and Sudan antigen sequences. As such, they offer powerful tools for the development of rapid immunoassays to aid in the detection of this virus.
ViroStat is a primary manufacturer of infectious disease antigens and antibodies, supplying researchers and manufacturers since 1985. Specialties include high-affinity antibodies to influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and group A Streptococcus for use in rapid lateral-flow devices as well as antibodies to foodborne pathogens and toxins.
Data sheets on the new Ebola antibodies can be downloaded from the company’s website.