PR97274

Novel and fast typing method developed to control monkeypox by Molecular Biology Systems (MBS) in collaboration with the Amsterdam UMC and Danish Rigshospitalet

GOES, Netherlands, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

In the worldwide effort to control monkeypox, a novel and fast typing method to

trace monkeypox virus strains was developed by Dutch company Molecular Biology

Systems (MBS) in collaboration with the department of Medical Microbiology &

Infectious Disease Prevention of the Amsterdam UMC and researchers of the

Danish Rigshospitalet. Apart from being fast, this new method allows for

analysis of multiple samples simultaneously. This way, genetic characterization

of monkeypox virus can be used in source- and contact analyses and help

determine the measures of choice. Analyzing multiple samples simultaneously,

reduces cost per sample, meaning more insight for the same cost. A photo can be

found https://www.nextgenpcr.com/product/mbs-nextgenpcr-ultrafast-thermocycler/:

The method has first been tested in the Amsterdam region; this led to new

insights regarding the genetic diversity of monkeypox virus. This method was

employed investigating the infection of the first child in the Netherlands. The

characterization of mutations in the virus from the child was compared to other

monkeypox viruses in the region. In a publication from July 21, 2022, in the

widely read scientific journal Euro Surveillance the research into this case

and the infectious chain are described. Using source- and contact analyses, no

link with other cases was found. Possibly more undetected infections exist than

assumed until now.

(Publication Euro Surveillance:

https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.29.2200552

)

An important bonus of this newly developed typing method is the usability for

other viruses as well. By integrating this technique in source- and contact

surveillance early stage, earlier insight into the spread of novel viruses can

be acquired. This will enable fast, concrete, and accurate action.

The above is in line with the WHO strategy of surveillance of viruses

worldwide, specifically monkeypox. Second meeting of the International Health

Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country

outbreak of monkeypox (who.int)

Multiple leading international laboratories have indicated their intention to

use this method for the genomic surveillance of monkeypox.

About Molecular Biology Systems

Molecular Biology Systems, B.V., founded in 2015, is a molecular biology

solutions company based in the Netherlands. Our NextGenPCR thermocycler uses

patented technology to reduce PCR amplification from hours to minutes.

NextGenPCR, the PCR technology of the future, available now.

Website: https://www.nextgenpcr.com/

Source: Molecular Biology Systems