Meridian Bioscience launched two rapid tests to detect Epstein-Barr Virus, one of the most comon viruses in humans. The tests are the first rapid tests on the market to employ recombinant antigen technology to detect two types of antibodies specific to EBV. The virus is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis and has been implicated in a number of other illnesses, including
Hodgkin's disease and certain lymphomas. As many as 95 percent of adults ages 35-40 have been infected with EBV, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new tests, to be initially distributed in Europe, are highly sensitive for specific antibodies that can classify acute and chronic stages of the disease. They should allow health care providers to more precisely diagnose EBV infections, the company says. "These new tests will be important tools that enable labs to accurately detect both acute as well as chronic Epstein-Barr infections," says CEO Jack Kraeutler.
Writer: David Holthaus
SourceL Jack Kraeutler, Meridian Bioscience
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