Astrovirus is a relatively newly discovered family of non-enveloped RNA viruses that cause gastroenteritis in animals and humans. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible due to underdeveloped or waning immune systems, respectively. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.
The virus can be detected in faeces via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology and immunoassay. ViroStat has now released a set of new monoclonal antibodies to astrovirus. These antibodies are specific to the major capsid protein of the virus and form pairs for detecting this antigen. Data sheets for these new antibodies are available to download from the company’s website.