Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a rare disease that recently made headlines due to an outbreak in Nigeria. It is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans from animals, particularly monkeys, rodents, and small mammals. Although MPXV is similar to smallpox (VARV) and cowpox (CPX) viruses, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a separate entity with its distinct clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and genetic diversity.
MPXV infection often begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a rash that starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. Unlike smallpox, which has a mortality rate of up to 30%, MPXV is less lethal, with a death rate of around 1-10%, depending on the strain and the host's immune system. However, MPXV can cause severe illness in children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplantation.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for MPXV infection, but supportive care, such as hydration, pain relief, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, can improve the outcome. Moreover, vaccination against smallpox can provide some cross-protection against MPXV, although it is not widely available or recommended, except for high-risk groups, such as laboratory workers or military personnel.
To better understand and control MPXV, researchers need reliable and specific tools, such as antibodies and antigens, for detection, diagnosis, and research. That is where Creative Diagnostics, a leading supplier of innovative research products and services, comes in.
Recently, Creative Diagnostics launched a new series of MPXV antibodies and antigens, including polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and recombinant antigens, to support MPXV research. These products have been validated for various applications, such as ELISA, western blot, immunofluorescence, and neutralization assays, and have high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
For example, the MPXV-specific polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits can recognize the major envelope protein of MPXV, known as the MPXV Fusion protein (F), and can be used for Western blot and Immunofluorescence imaging of infected cells or tissues. Another monoclonal antibody targeting a conserved epitope of MPXV hemagglutinin can detect different strains of MPXV and differentiate them from related viruses, such as VARV or CPXV, which can cross-react in some assays.
Furthermore, Creative Diagnostics offers MPXV antigens, such as MPXV F protein, MPXV hemagglutinin, and MPXV DNA polymerase, which can be used as positive controls, immunogens, or capture probes, depending on the application. These antigens are produced in recombinant forms using advanced techniques, such as gene synthesis, expression, and purification, to ensure high purity, activity, and stability.
By using these MPXV antibodies and antigens from Creative Diagnostics, scientists can advance their knowledge of MPXV pathogenesis, host immunity, epidemiology, and drug or vaccine development. Moreover, medical professionals can improve their diagnosis of MPXV cases and provide better care for patients. Overall, Creative Diagnostics' contribution to MPXV research highlights the importance of innovative and reliable tools in fighting infectious diseases, such as MPXV, and protecting public health.
Therefore, if you are involved in MPXV research or interested in the topic, consider checking out Creative Diagnostics' website and catalog for more information and product offerings. With their expertise, quality, and versatility, Creative Diagnostics can help you accelerate your research and achieve your goals in MPXV infection.