REALQUALITY RS-VZV

Description

The REALQUALITY RS-VZV is an IVD device for detection and quantification of the DNA of Varicella Zoster (VZV) by Real-Time PCR.

Product Characteristics

• The device is validated on DNA extracted from various samples types
• The assay requires only 5 µL of DNA extracted
• If used in combination with the REALQUALITY RQ-VZV STANDARD, it allows the quantification of the viral DNA present in the sample
• The assay shares the same thermal profile of the REALQUALITY Infectious diseases kits
• Validated on main Real-Time PCR instruments
• The assay includes dUTP/UNG system for preventing carry-over contamination and a fluorescence normalizer.
• The automatic format of the assay can be used with GENEQUALITY® automatic platforms
• Easy interpretation of results with AB Genius Report software

Kit content

Kit contains:

• Ready-to-use reagents for Real-Time PCR
• Internal control
• Positive control

Further Information

The Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family. It is responsible for both Chickenpox (upon primary infection) and Zoster Herpes (upon reactivation after latent infection). The recurrent form is also known as St. Anthony’s Fire.
Usually, Chickenpox is a benign childhood disease. In some cases, complications arise that range from secondary bacterial infections, Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus, that may result in disfiguring scars, to severe encephalitis. In 10-20% of cases, initial chickenpox is followed by Zoster Herpes after several years. After primary infection VZV remains in the trigeminal and dorsal-root ganglia of the nervous system and it can reactivate itself in adulthood. Elderly (> 60 years old) or immunocompromised people are the most affected. VZV causes interstitial pneumonia in 20-30% of infections. Moreover, infection with VZV can lead to irreversible neurological lesions (cranial nerve paralysis, contralateral hemiplegia), ophthalmic zoster (if the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is involved) and retinitis. The latter is a complication that may result in loss of vision in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. In immunocompromised persons VZV frequently causes a progressive pathological condition that is often lethal, as the virus spreads to internal organs (lungs, liver, etc.).
The congenital varicella syndrome and perinatal varicella are further manifestations of a VZV infection. Mortality due to perinatal varicella is very high (up to 30%).

Molecular diagnosis using Real-Time PCR is particularly important in distinguishing between VZV and HSV infections, since the two types of infection have confusingly similar manifestations.

Ordering Information