Sensitive and specific detection of infections with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Chikungunya virus and other viruses causing emerging diseases
Referenznummer TO 12-00042
Challenge
The incidence of infections with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Chikungunya virus and other pathogenic viruses has significantly increased during the last 20 years. Climate changes, growing numbers of tourists in tropical regions and imprudent use of antimicrobial drugs bring forth these diseases to spread to higher altitudes and to re-emerge. Sensitive and reliable diagnostic tests are an essential tool to control transmission and eventually minimize the impact of these infections. The availability of test systems for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus and other emerging diseases is therefore of great importance, also in developed countries.
Technology
The Scientists at the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine have developed specific and sensitive diagnostic test systems for the detection of infections with the following viruses:
• West Nile virus
• Japanese encephalitis virus
• Tick-borne encephalitis virus
• Yellow fever virus
• Chikungunya virus
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
• Lassa virus
All tests use the ELISA technology for the detection of pathogen-specific human IgM - or IgG – antibodies in blood serum. The tests are based either on recombinant antigens or monoclonal antibodies.
Commercial Opportunity
The recombinant antigens, hybridoma cell lines and know-how is offered for in-licensing or co-development of diagnostic test systems using ELISA or other technology platforms.
Developmental Status
These tests have already been successfully evaluated using patient samples and have been compared with available gold standards and other detection methods.
