Meridian Life Sciences has given an overview of its native Torch antigens.
Torch infections are comprised of a specific group of infectious agents that are of particular concern for pregnant women due to their potential to cause severe foetal anomalies or even foetal loss.
Torch stands for the following infectious agents: T: Toxoplasmosis (Toxo); O: Other agents such as Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV); R: Rubella; C: Cytomegalovirus (CMV); and H: Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Meridian Life Science provides Torch antigens produced from both native and recombinant (bacteria and yeast) sources.
Its toxoplasma antigens are protozoan strain: RH and propagated in Hela cells.
Toxo grade III antigen is a highly purified (90 per cent tachyzoite proteins), it has a high percentage of surface proteins and is suitable for both IgG and IgM assays.
Varicella-Zoster virus antigens are viral strain: Ellen and propagated in HF cells.
They are partially purified and have high sensitivity and low background.
Rubella virus antigens are viral strain: HPV77 and propagated in Vero cells.
Meridian offers various purities and buffers.
Cytomegalovirus antigens are viral strain: AD169 and propagated in HF cells.
CMV grade III antigen is purified to >90 per cent viral proteins and is highly sensitive for both IgG and IgM assays.
HSV antigens are viral strain: F and viral strain: G.
They are propagated in Vero cells, partially purified and have high sensitivity and low background.