Introduction

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a virus from the orthopox family of viruses, a family most often associated with the more severe smallpox virus (variola), or the origination of vaccinations from the cowpox virus. Originally named for an outbreak among monkeys, it was first identified in humans in central and western Africa around 1970 where it continues to circulate at a low endemic level. There are two known clades of MPXV now referred to as Clade I (former Congo Basin clade) and Clade II (former West African clade). Clade II consists of two subclades, IIa and IIb. Strains detected in the 2022 global outbreak belong to Clade IIb. Clade I leads to more severe illness and a higher rate of mortality. CDC reports show that some Clade I outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get infected, while Clade II infection has less severe symptoms and more than 99.9% of people survive.

The RayBiotech Monkeypox Virus Clade I & II PCR Nucleic Acid Detection Kit is a ready to use PCR assay for the detection of both Clade I and Clade II Monkeypox virus DNA in a liquid sample. This kit uses two sets of specific primers and probes in different fluorescent channels to detect the C3L gene for Clade I and G2R gene for Clade II. Each set of primers and probes are designed to target the specific region in the genome where Clades I and II have multiple differing mutations so that the two strains can be differentiated. Primer and probe for internal control, RNase P are also integrated in the assay for quality validation.

Kit Components

Additional Materials Required

Contact our technical support team for questions about compatibility: techsupport@raybiotech.com

Storage/Stability

The kit can be stored at -20°C for a period of 12 months prior to opening. After opening, the reagents are valid for at least 6 months if stored at -20°C.