In vitro diagnostic (IVD) antibodies can provide important information for both diagnosis and treatment information for the disease. As one of the leading providers of antibody services, Creative Biolabs develops and licenses antibodies for use in various IVD immunoassays. We help develop high-quality antibodies against not only viral antigens but also various serological biomarkers (e.g., proteins) for the diagnosis of Chikungunya.
Introduction of Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans via bites from infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), the causative agent for Chikungunya, belongs to the genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. It is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome. Chikungunya is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, headache, vomiting, rash, myalgia, and frequently accompanied by severe arthralgia.
Fig.1 Pathogenesis of CHIKV infection: viral dissemination and impact on host immune response. (Lum, F. M., 2015)
Laboratory Diagnosis of Chikungunya
Laboratory diagnosis of CHIKV infection is accomplished by serologic methods, virus isolation, and viral RNA detection by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Serological Testing – It is used to detect or confirm the presence of IgM or IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies in the serum of suspected patients. Commercially available CHIKV IgM-detection assays include lateral flow rapid tests, IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (MAC-ELISA), and indirect immunofluorescence tests. Generally, these tests become sensitive for samples collected approximately >5days of illness. The sensitivity of such IgM detection kits is limited for the majority of patients in the acute stage of illness (days 1 to 5).
RT-PCR – Detection of CHIKV or viral RNA is the primary laboratory test used to diagnose infection in serum collected <6 days after onset of illness. Various reverse RT–PCR kits are available but are of variable sensitivity. RT–PCR products from clinical samples may also be used for genotyping of the virus, allowing comparisons with virus samples from various geographical sources. In brief, it is a relatively quick and sensitive tool but it requires a high cost.
Rapid Tests – Both IgM detection tests and RT-PCR tests require specialists equipment and laboratory skills, for which they are not widely performed in hospitals. Thus, antigen-based diagnostic assays have been developed for rapid and reliable clinical diagnosis of CHIKV infection. For instance, Okabayashi et al have developed an immunochromatographic (IC) assay with monoclonal antibodies as a tracer to detect antigens. The antibodies were developed against the envelope protein of CHIKV. The results suggested that it was a clinically acceptable method for the diagnosis of CHIKV infection in the acute phase.
Fig.2 Representative profile of an IC test using serial 10-fold dilutions of the CHIKV Thai strain (ECSA genotype) culture supernatant. (Okabayashi, T., 2015)
In conclusion, antibodies (both polyclonal and monoclonal) are core elements of antibody-based diagnostic kits and are indispensable tools for the diagnosis of CHIKV infections. Creative Biolabs has been focusing on the development of high-quality antibodies for the diagnosis of a variety of infectious diseases including Chikungunya. We can tailor a suite of IVD antibody development services to satisfy the practical needs of our clients. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and experience the great value of our expert services.
References
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