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High Specificity Tests for Important Infectious Diseases

Astra Biotech
23 Jan 2012

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Astra Biotech GmbH will launch a range of test kits for the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious diseases with the potential for significant pathogenesis. Based on the ELISA principle and characterised by high specificity, these kits detect the presence of IgG antibodies to Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Toxoplasma gondii, Hepatitis B virus and HIV. Additionally, IgG avidity is determined using an Astra Biotech Toxoplasma Test Kit.

The Herpes Simplex Type 1 kit provides quantitative detection of HSV 1 specific IgG, allowing monitoring of antibody concentration and estimation of therapy effectiveness. Whereas IgM tests may give misleading results and cannot distinguish between HSV 1 and HSV 2, this kit is both highly sensitive and highly specific.

Diagnosis of a recently acquired primary Toxoplasma infection is not easy, in that the IgM antibodies (a typical marker for recent infections) developed during toxoplasmosis may persist for many months and even for years. However, recent infections can be identified with Astra Biotech’s Toxoplasma-IgG-Avidity kit which measures the avidity of specific IgG. This is possible as the initial IgG antibody response to infection is characterised by antibodies with low avidity. Also available is a Toxoplasma IgG kit which enables diagnosis of the acute phase of the disease and monitoring of the recovery process.

The Astra Biotech range includes two kits which detect and confirm the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen, and two kits which detect antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. The HIV-HIV-Ag/At product also detects the p24 antigen, a marker appearing as early as 1–3 weeks after contamination and therefore enabling very early diagnosis of HIV infection.

Astra Biotech ELISA test kits are manufactured by incorporating only certified high purity reagents and in accordance with stringent internal quality control procedures. All the assays are IVD-compliant and therefore suitable for direct diagnostic purposes. The standard 96-well plate format fits into all work flows and the assays’ high specificity and sensitivity parameters allow consistently accurate results and guarantee high reproducibility.

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Herpes Simplex VirusHIV and AIDSBlood tests are the most common way to identify and monitor HIV and AIDS. Current methods include ELISA, Western blot, RT-PCR viral load and CD4/8 testing. Areas for development include point-of-care assays for use in developing countries, and self-testing ‘at home’ HIV kits.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Effective detection, prevention, and treatment are crucial to control outbreaks and improve public health. Diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antimicrobial treatments are essential components of managing these diseases. Research into emerging pathogens and resistance patterns continues to evolve. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diagnostic tools, prevention solutions, and treatment options; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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High Specificity Tests for Important Infectious Diseases