Human Monkeypox Virus Rapid Test Kit

Monkeypox (MPV) is a zoonotic double-stranded DNA virus caused by an orthopoxvirus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. It is one of the human orthopoxviruses that includes variola (VARV), cowpox (CPX), and vaccinia (VACV) viruses. The symptoms of monkeypox are very similar to those of smallpox.

Since the eradication of smallpox, monkeypox has become the most important orthopoxvirus causing a public health problem. It is normally found in central and western Africa and has recently appeared in many other non-endemic parts of the world.

Building on the experience gained during the COVID19 crisis, where manufacturers delivered novel reagents, kits, and technologies in super-fast time, these same manufacturers have been ideally positioned to accelerate research, development, and kit delivery for this emerging (in the developed world) disease in record time.

Samples: WHO currently recommends PCR as the preferred laboratory test given its accuracy and sensitivity. The best specimens for the diagnosis of monkeypox are skin lesions: the roof or fluid of vesicles and pustules, and dry scabs.
Swabs should be shipped to the laboratory in viral transport media; There is also the option of using a transport medium that will inactivate any virus present.

When feasible, biopsy is an option; in this case, lesion samples should be stored in a dry, sterile tube (without viral transport media) and kept cold.

In the laboratory, diagnosis is based on quantitative real-time PCR, either "open" i.e. it can be used in most common laboratory thermal cyclers or "closed" i.e. limited to use in specific instruments supplied by the kit manufacturer.

Serological and antigen detection methods are of limited use because orthopoxviruses are serologically reactive and therefore do not provide specific confirmation of monkeypox.

Browse our supplier lists here to find manufacturers of monkeypox PCR kits and reagents, such as MPXV A29 recombinant protein (the target of a monkeypox virus-specific monoclonal antibody) and MPXV L1R protein (a homologue of the J1R protein of the vaccinia virus).

Exact sample collection and testing procedures will vary, please be sure to follow the current recommended guidelines that apply to your geographic area.