05.08.2011 – 20:12

november Aktiengesellschaft

EANS-News: november Aktiengesellschaft
Extended Field of Application of PROGEN Hantavirus Diagnostics (www.progen.de/hantavirus)

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New Products/Research & Development/Hantavirus Elisa Hantaan Dobrava Antibody


Cologne, Heidelberg (euro adhoc) - PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH, a subsidiary of
november AG, has extended the field of application of their well-established
Hantavirus Hantaan IgG & IgM ELISA for serological diagnosis of hantavirus
infections. 

For this purpose, human clinical samples tested positive for hantavirus
antibodies of the Hantaan or Dobrava serotypes were tested in parallel for IgG
and IgM antibodies in a Hantaan and a Dobrava ELISA. Consistent results were
achieved with both ELISA tests. 

Furthermore, the cross-reactivity with Puumala virus, described in literature,
was confirmed in all tested IgG serum samples. Particularly surprising in all
cases was the strong reaction of Hantaan- and Dobrava-positive samples as well
in the Hantavirus Hantaan ELISA. 

The results clearly suggest that for diagnosis of a possible Dobrava virus or
also Hantaan virus infections the Hantavirus Dobrava/Hantaan IgG and IgM is
highly suitable. For the physician this means significant cost reduction and
considerable time-saving as now with one diagnostic test can be used to detect
two serotypes. With this extended field of application for the newly defined
Dobrava/Hantaan ELISA PROGEN is taking into account the increasing
internationalization of risks of infection as a result of changed leisure and
travel activities. In cases of confirmed suspected hantavirus infections, the
travel anamnesis of the patient allows assignment to the Dobrava or Hantaan
serotype. 

PROGEN Hantavirus Diagnostics 
In addition to the ELISA test for the detection of Hantavirus Dobrava/Hantaan
IgG & IgM and Hantavirus Puumala IgG & IgM, PROGEN´s product range also includes
indirect immunofluorescence tests for the detection of antibodies against
Hantavirus Dobrava/Hantaan, Puumala and Seoul serotypes.
For more information, refer to www.PROGEN.de/hantavirus.

More Details on Hantavirus and Its Distribution:
Hantaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses of the Bunyaviridae family,
widespread and strictly associated with their serotype-specific reservoir hosts.
They cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia and
lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in America. The severity of
the disease depends on the infecting virotype with case fatality rates from 0.1%
- 10% for HFRS and 25% - 35% for HCPS. 

HFRS is caused by Hantaan virus and the closely related Dobrava virus as well as
Seoul and Puumala virus. Hantaan virus is endemic in Asia, the Dobrava virus
serotype is found in Europe. Hosts for both viruses are rodents of the Apodemus
genus. In Germany, the predominant serotype is Puumala, hosts are bank voles
(Myodes glareolus). Occurrence of Dobrava virus infections in Central Europe is
insignificant; increased to predominant distribution, however, in Eastern and
Southern Europe and the Balkans, spread by striped field mouse (Apodemus
agrarius), yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and Black Sea field mouse
(Apodemus ponticus). 

Viral carriers are rodents, transmission to humans occurs via inhalation of
virus-containing particles from excretions of host animals or through direct
contact. People at high risk are predominantly hunters, lumbermen, soldiers,
joggers, campers and gardeners. Inhalation of virus-containing particles during
home activities in sheds, garden sheds, attics, basements or outside when
composting is also possible. 

For regular updates on risks of infection and disease spreading as well as
current epidemiologic data please refer to www.rki.de and Surv-Stat@rki and the
epidemiologic bulletins of the Robert-Koch-Institute.
 
Hantavirus Product Range of PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH:
- Hantavirus (Dobrava / Hantaan) Antibody Immunofluorescence Kit and Slides
- Hantavirus (Puumala) Antibody Immunofluorescence Kit and Slides 
- Hantavirus (Seoul) Antibody Immunofluorescence Kit and Slides
- Hantavirus Dobrava / Hantaan IgG/IgM ELISA 
- Hantavirus Puumala IgG/IgM ELISA 
- anti-Hantavirus Hantaan,  Mouse Monoclonal, clone B5D9, Peroxidase Conjugate 
- anti-Hantavirus Hantaan, Mouse Monoclonal, clone B5D9, Cell Culture
Supernatant
- anti-Hantavirus Puumala,  Mouse Monoclonal, clone A1C5, Peroxidase Conjugate 
- anti-Hantavirus Puumala, Mouse Monoclonal, clone A1C5, Cell Culture
Supernatant 
- anti-Hantavirus Seoul,  Mouse Monoclonal, clone R31, Cell Culture Supernatant 
For more details: www.progen.de/hantavirus

november AG has set up a special news portal for its subsidiaries PROGEN
Biotechnik GmbH and Multimetrix GmbH. Here you may find the companies´ latest
reports and recent news on in-vitro diagnostics, research reagents and Luminex®
technology. Also published is information on new commercial products, new
distribution partnerships and participation in research projects. The Internet
News Portal Diagnostics of november AG is located at: www.november.ag

november AG 
november AG is an investment and holding company, listed in the prime standard
of the regulated German Stock Exchange (Deutsche Börse) with special focus on
medical technology, biotechnology and environmental technology.
www.november.de

PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH
PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH, Heidelberg, is an EN ISO 13485:2007 certified
manufacturer of in vitro diagnostics (e.g. Lyme Disease, Hantavirus, FSME) and
research reagents (e.g. antibodies, polypeptides, AAV, hyperphage).
www.progen.de

Multimetrix GmbH
Multimetrix GmbH develops and manufactures multiplex tests/assays based on the
Luminex® technology for applications in diagnostics (infectious disease
serology/Borrelia) and in research (HPV genotyping, coated beads) and offers
test/contract services and technical support for the Luminex® Analyzer. 
www.multimetrix.de


Further inquiry note:
Dr. Dirk Zurek
Vorstand
Tel.: +49 (0) 221 82200 520 10
E-Mail:  ir@november.de

end of announcement                               euro adhoc 
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