EBV, Epstein-Barr virus, is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and also underlies several other lymphoproliferative disorders such as Burkitt's lymphoma
Nanogen has expanded its molecular reagent product portfolio to include real-time probes and primers designed to detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
The MGB Alert EBV analyte specific reagent (ASR) can be used to develop and validate assays to detect sequences within the putative membrane antigen p140 region of the viral BNRF1 gene.
"Real-time PCR-based methods are sensitive, specific, and can be quantitative, which provides physicians critical information regarding a pathogen's role in a particular patient's condition," said Howard Birndorf, chairman and CEO.
"The MGB Alert products, including the EBV reagent, are high-value consumables that will provide us with good revenue growth and high gross margins." Persons undergoing stem cell or solid organ transplantation are particularly at risk for EBV-associated lymphoproliferation, which may lead to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD); incidences range from 1% to 25%.
Clinically, PTLD presents as an infectious-mono like illness that may mimic transplant rejection, leading to intensified immunosuppression when an actual reduction in immunosuppression is needed.
Mononucleosis-like illnesses can also be induced by cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, or Toxoplasma gondii.
Rapid methods to distinguish PTLD and infection by other agents from EBV infection are needed to make informed clinical decisions.
"The EBV reagent is the newest addition to our growing menu of MGB Alert products," said Birndorf, "which includes ASRs designed to detect sequences associated with herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and norovirus 1 and 2, among others."
