Since 1 January 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported with almost 60,000 in 102 countries and regions. As data presented that about 99% of cases in 95 locations have not been historically reported. This is the first time that cases and sustained chains of transmission have been reported in countries without direct or immediate epidemiological links to areas of West or Central Africa.

Geographical distribution of confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide from
1 Jan 2022, as of 12 Sep 22

According to the press conference on 7 September 2022, monkeypox in and of itself will not disappear completely, so probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox should be reported as early as possible, as suggested by WHO, though in the absence of skin or mucosal lesions, PCR can be done to diagnose at an early stage.

Today, we Bioperfectus are proud to launch Four new PCR products: Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) Fast Real Time PCR Kit, Monkeypox Virus and Orthopoxvirus Real Time PCR Kit, Monkeypox Virus Genotyping Real Time PCR Kit, and Monkeypox Virus/Varicella-zoster Virus/Variola Virus Real Time PCR Kit. Combined with our extraction solution and PCR system, we could provide a Total PCR Solution for monkeypox virus diagnosis.

Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) Fast Real Time PCR Kit

The genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae contains four viral species pathogenic to humans, indicating that the selection of species-specific oligonucleotide primers and hybridization probes is extremely important. As encouraged by FDA, highly conserved monkeypox virus targets are preferred.

Bioperfectus Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) Fast Real Time PCR Kit adopts real-time PCR and hydrolysis probe techniques with two target genes to reassure the results with a fast amplification procedure specially designed for 96 samples within 30 minutes, providing a basis for quick clinical laboratory diagnosis.

Monkeypox Virus and Orthopoxvirus Real Time PCR Kit

Viruses belonging to the various species members of the Orthopoxvirus genus have a broad host range and infect a wide variety of mammalian species, including humans. However, orthopoxviruses are immunologically cross-reactive and cross-protective, indicating that infection with any member of this genus provides protection against infection with any other member.

Based on this knowledge, for a person presenting with an unexplained acute skin rash, mucosal lesions, or lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), detection for Orthopoxvirus is primarily recommended by WHO. Bioperfectus Monkeypox Virus and Orthopoxvirus Real Time PCR Kit supports the qualitative detection and differentiation of DNA from Monkeypox virus and Orthopoxvirus, with a housekeeping gene (RNase P) as an internal control (IC).

Monkeypox Virus Genotyping Real Time PCR Kit

There are two distinct genetic clades of the monkeypox virus: the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the west African clade. The case fatality rate reported in outbreaks for the Congo Basin clade could be as high as 11%, while for west African clade, which is responsible for recent outbreaks in Nigeria, is associated with an overall lower mortality rate of consistently less than 3%.

Further efforts to understand the contribution of these distinct MPXV clades will contribute to interruption of monkeypox transmission to humans, possible future outbreak responses, diagnostic test deployment and even possible outbreak-related decisions. Bioperfectus Monkeypox Virus Genotyping Real Time PCR Kit supports the detection and identification of DNA from the West African clade and the Congo Basin (Central African) clade of the Monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox Virus/Varicella-zoster Virus/Variola Virus Real Time PCR Kit

Thirty-five years ago, the global eradication of smallpox was declared, putting in cessation of vaccination against smallpox. Thus, the human population year by year becomes ever more unprotected not only from potential infection with variola virus (VARV), but also from infection with other closely related orthopoxviruses, such as a varicella-zoster virus (VZV), monkeypox virus (MPXV).

It is not sufficient for an accurate diagnosis, especially in the case of monkeypox atypical forms, which cannot be easily distinguished from VZV or VARV infections. Bioperfectus Monkeypox Virus/Varicella-zoster Virus/Variola Virus Real Time PCR Kit designs specific primers and probes based on F3L gene for Monkeypox virus, ORF38 gene for Varicella-zoster Virus, B9R/B10R gene for variola Virus to help.

Bioperfectus Total Diagnostic Solution for Monkeypox provides our partners with verified products, from instruments to reagents, from nucleic acid extraction to amplification Together, let’s fight against infectious disease globally and embrace the world with health.

Reference:

• Surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing for monkeypox
• Shchelkunov S N , Shcherbakov D N , Maksyutov R A , et al. Species-specific identification of variola, monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses by multiplex real-time PCR assay[J]. Journal of Virological Methods, 2011, 175(2):163-169.
• Hendrickson R C ,  Wang C ,  Hatcher E L , et al. Orthopoxvirus Genome Evolution: The Role of Gene Loss[J]. Viruses, 2010, 2(9):1933.
• Adler H, Gould S, Hine P, Snell LB, et ai. Clinical features and management of human monkeypox: a retrospective observational study in the UK. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022 Aug;22(8):1153-1162. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00228-6.
• Likos AM, Sammons SA, Olson VA, et al. A tale of two clades: monkeypox viruses. J Gen Virol. 2005 Oct;86(Pt 10):2661-2672. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.81215-0. PMID: 16186219.
• Maksyutov R A ,  Gavrilova E V ,  Shchelkunov S N . Species-specific differentiation of variola, monkeypox, and varicella-zoster viruses by multiplex real-time PCR assay[J]. Journal of Virological Methods, 2016, 236:215-220.
• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/monkeypox-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices