[Newsdesk] Research in brief

Abstract

Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR-based assays for orthoebolaviruses such as Ebola, Sudan, and Bundibugyo viruses are resource intensive and take several hours to provide results, highlighting the need for rapid point-of-care tests. Using previously generated murine monoclonal antibodies specific for orthoebolavirus glycoproteins, researchers in Canada developed a prototype immunochromatographic lateral flow assay to detect glycoproteins from all known orthoebolaviruses. In 10 μL of plasma or whole blood, the test detected Ebola, Sudan, and Bundibugyo virus recombinant glycoproteins at amounts of 62·5 ng or 31·2 ng.