Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and the genusFlavivirus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A
albopictus. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where thevirus was first isolated in 1947. Zika virus is related to Dengue, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, and West Nile viruses, and many antibodies (e.g. those produced as a response to infection) cross-react between these viruses. This cross-reaction causes severe problems in identifying individuals seropostive for Zika as the much wider spread background of Dengue infections cause many false positives in most standard serological ELISAs.
Intended Use:This Zika Virus IgM ELISA assay is designed for the detection of Zika-specific IgM antibodies in human serum. It is minimally cross-reactive with antibodies to Dengue virus (a closely-related flavivirus), and so can be used to distinguish human anti-Zika antibodies from other flavivirus and infectious disease antibodies in the early stages of Zika infection. Use of the assay is intended for detection of IgM in patients with Zika infection.
Test Principle:This Zika virus IgM antibody capture ELISA uses a double antigen blocking assay using in-house manufactured antigens to enhance sensitivity and virtually exclude cross reactions. It is therefore suitable for the accurate detection of serum IgM antibodies to Zika virus, indicating recent exposure. This can be used as a diagnostic assay, but as this is currently in prototype form, it should not be used as such until full registration has been achieved.
Kit Components:Pre-coated microtiter plateNegative control (NC) (Lyophilized)Positive control (PC) (Lyophilized)Differential control (DC) (Lyophilized)Blocking ReagentDetection Reagent 2Sample diluentReagent 1 diluentWash buffer (25x)TMB substrateStop solution
Storage and Stability:Store the un-opened kit at 2-8°C. Once opened, the kit is stable for one month after receipt at 2°-8°C.
