Battling Zika—Do we have your attention now?
Although it may feel like Zika is a new anomaly within the infectious disease community, its history is long, and the warning signs may have been appearing long before the virus made recent headlines.
Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses are single-stranded RNA arboviruses that spread to humans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes genus. Infected individuals may show non-specific symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain, and/or conjunctivitis. Concerns about in utero transmission have been raised from studies that have shown that Zika virus may be linked to congenital disorders. Differentiation between these three arboviruses is imperative for epidemiologic and genetic surveillance of these vector-borne diseases.
Although chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses can be detected by testing serum for the presence of viral nucleic acid or virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and neutralizing antibodies, serological cross-reactivity is strong between Zika and dengue viruses. Pathogen detection using real-time PCR is strongly recommended.
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers three real-time PCR test kit options for these three arboviruses. Each of these kits offers the following:
Applied Biosystems real-time PCR solutions are part of a sample-to-results workflow. Benefits include the ability to:
The Zika virus sequence used to develop these primers and probes was identified in a 2014 research paper by Pyke et al., titled “Imported Zika Virus Infection from the Cook Islands into Australia, 2014”.
For viral RNA purification, we recommend use of the Applied Biosystems MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA Kit.
Although it may feel like Zika is a new anomaly within the infectious disease community, its history is long, and the warning signs may have been appearing long before the virus made recent headlines.
For decades, quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays have helped researchers run various research-specific experiments. As with all technology, the goal is to make technology as simple as possible and accessible.
Learn more about how scientists in Brazil work to find answers around the Zika virus, and how Thermo Fisher Scientific worked diligently to develop the Zika real-time PCR research assay.
The QuantStudio 5, 6, and 7 Real-Time PCR Systems are ideal for all levels of users who need a high-performance instrument with features for maximum control of their experiments. Includes built-in security features, locked workflows, user account management, and options for web browser–based or desktop analysis.
Visit the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System Models for more information. Learn more ›
The MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA Kit enables purification of RNA and DNA from viruses and easy-to-lyse bacteria and parasites using magnetic particle technology in a 96-well format. PCR inhibitors are effectively removed in the process, making the resulting nucleic acid ideal for real-time PCR and RT-PCR applications.
The kit contains lyophilized reagents to which RT-PCR master mix is added to provide a one-step workflow for detection of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya virus RNA from urine or serum.
Contents include twelve 8-well strips tubes for 96 total reactions per kit.
The kit contains control material for detection of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya virus RNA from urine or serum.
25 reactions per kit.
The kit contains lyophilized reagents to which RT-PCR master mix is added to provide a one-step workflow for detection of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya virus RNA from urine or serum.
Contents include twelve 8-well strips tubes for 96 total reactions per kit.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.