Freeze-dried Zaire and Sudan Ebolavirus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (Fluorescence PCR)

Epidemiology

Ebolavirus is a member of the Filoviridae family, characterized as an unsegmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. Virions are filamentous, averaging 1000 nm in length and approximately 100 nm in diameter. The viral genome is a single, negative-sense RNA strand of 18.9 kb that codes for seven structural and one non-structural protein. Species include Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest, and Reston. The Zaire and Sudan species are known to cause fatal human outbreaks. Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a severe, often fatal illness. Transmission to humans occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, secretions, or excretions from infected individuals or animals. Clinically, it presents with abrupt fever, hemorrhage, and multiorgan failure. Case fatality rates range from 50% to 90%. Laboratory diagnosis relies on etiological and serological methods. Etiological testing includes ELISA for viral antigens in blood, nucleic acid amplification (e.g., RT-PCR), and virus isolation in cell lines such as Vero and HeLa. Serological testing involves capture ELISA for serum-specific IgM antibodies, and ELISA or immunofluorescence for serum-specific IgG antibodies.

Work Flow

A viral DNA/RNA extraction kit is used together with an automated nucleic acid extractor. Follow the kit instructions for the procedure: use a sample volume of 200 µL and an elution volume of 80 µL.