Metapneumovirus Detected in Patient Specimens Within Fifteen Minutes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Mar 2009

An identification kit detects and identifies human metapneumovirus (hMPV) from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates, and washes using hMPV monoclonal antibodies.

The D3 DFA Metapneumovirus identification kit can be used in direct testing of patient specimens with results in as fast as 15 minutes, or in cell culture with the R-Mix and R-Mix Too Mixed FreshCells cell culture systems for overnight results.

Image: Colored transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a host cell with particles of the human metapneumovirus budding from its surface (Photo courtesy of Hazel Appleton, Center for Infections / Health Protection Agency).

Diagnostic Hybrids (Athens, OH, USA) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA) clearance for the D3 DFA identification kit. The complete respiratory testing system, including additional D3 DFA respiratory testing kits, is available in the United States, Canada, and select international markets.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory viral pathogen that causes a spectrum of illnesses ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. The pathophysiology of hMPV infection is thought to be closely related to the other common human pneumovirus, respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Like RSV, hMPV has a tropism for the respiratory epithelium. The patient may be asymptomatic, or symptoms may range from mild upper respiratory tract symptoms to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Most laboratories do not routinely test for Metapneumovirus. According to Steve Ewers, senior product manager at Diagnostic Hybrids, "the primary reason for this has been the absence of an FDA-cleared, reliable rapid assay. The D3 DFA Metapneumovirus identification kit provides the laboratory with an easy-to-perform, proven methodology utilizing the same protocol as the gold standard D3 Ultra DFA Respiratory Virus screening & identification kit. The consistency in methods will allow for easy integration into the lab workflow."

Diagnostic Hybrids invents, develops, manufactures, and sells innovative diagnostic and analytical products for a wide range of viral respiratory diseases, herpes virus infections, and other specific viral and thyroid diseases. The company also develops and commercializes innovative and genetically engineered cell-based detection products for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with an initial focus on pharmacology assays and products that measure drug clearance and anti-viral interventions with drugs and vaccines.

Related Links:
Diagnostic Hybrids
U.S. FDA