New Zika virus monoclonal antibodies

ViroStat Inc. has just released a set of new monoclonal antibodies to the NS1 protein of Zika virus. These new antibodies do not cross react with the related Flaviviruses tested as well as Chikungunya virus. They function in IFA and pair in ELISA. Potential uses include development of a rapid screening test which currently does not exist.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus. It is usually a mild, self-limiting infection of short duration resulting in fever and a rash. The symptoms are similar to those caused by Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus. However recent cases during pregnancy have resulted in fetal neurological complications with resulting birth defects. There is also evidence that the virus can be transmitted sexually.

ViroStat aims to provide quality infectious disease antibody tools to researchers and manufacturers. These include the areas of virology, bacteriology and parasitology. Applications for these include detection of respiratory agents, STD agents, gastrointestinal agents/toxins and food borne pathogens.

The company offers more than 500 infectious disease reagents including their MONOTOPE monoclonal antibodies, OMNITOPE polyclonal antibodies and numerous recombinant antigens. Many of these antibodies are used by manufacturers of rapid, point of care tests currently made and sold in the US.