Monkeypox/Mpox
On 14 August, 2024, the WHO has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid spread across several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. With over 15,600 reported cases and 541 deaths this year, a significant rise from 2023, the need for an effective Monkeypox vaccine is urgent.
Mpox is a zoonotic (virus transmitted to humans from animals) disease which results in smallpox-like symptoms in humans. The Mpox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, and family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus includes 11 distinct but very closely related species (Table 1). Smallpox, a severe disease that resulted in high mortality rates, was caused by a thr Variola virus member of this family of viruses. Through a successful containment strategy and an effective vaccine and vaccination program, the World Health Organization declared global eradication of smallpox in the mid-1980s. The vaccine that helped eradicate smallpox was the closely related vaccinia virus — a prototype of the family that is commonly studied in laboratories as a model poxvirus. Because routine vaccination for smallpox ended years ago, there is growing concern that Mpox maybe the next viral pandemic.
Monkeypox/Mpox Virus (MPXV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. While mpox was first discovered in the colonies of monkey kept for research in 1958, first human case of mpox was registered in 1970. Mpox is thought to be endemic to West Africa and Central Africa. In 2003, there was a mpox outbreak outside of Africa and it occurred in the United States of America. Recently, mpox cases have been reported in multiple non-endemic countries raising awareness.
The 196,858-bp mpox virus genome consists of ~200 open reading frames with ≥60 amino acid residues.
Mpox in an infectious viral disease causing rashes and painful blisters, along with swollen lymph nodes.
Swab or Saliva Sample Collection & Preservation
Safe collection, transport and preservation of respiratory samples. Preserved RNA, incl. viral RNA, is stable for 2 months at room temperature.
- Swab Collection & Nucleic Acid Preservation Tubes
- Saliva RNA Collection & Preservation Devices
- Application Notes
Isolation of Viral RNA from Respiratory Specimens
High-quality total RNA, including viral RNA, with no bias, from fresh and preserved saliva or swab samples.
- Saliva/Swab RNA Purification Kit
SARS-CoV-2 Detection by Real-Time RT-PCR
Ready-to-use kits containing everything required for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific genes. Suitable for SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- E/RdRP/RNase P - Charité/Berlin protocol recommended by WHO
- N1/N2/RNase P - CDC protocol
- N/ORF1ab/RNaseP
More Tools for SARS-CoV-2 Research
In addition to swab and saliva sample collection & preservation kits, virus RNA purification kits and RT-PCR detection kits, BioCat provides a variety of tools to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 research, including recombinant proteins and antibodies specific for SARS-CoV-2 and variants, immunoassays, inhibitor screening assays, NGS panels as well as compound libraries and antiviral agents. Please contact us for further information.