ceeramtools - RT-PCR test kit Astrovirus

ceeramtools - RT-PCR test kit AstrovirusDeveloped by CEERAM SAS, this kit allows the detection of human Astroviruses by real-time RT- PCR in in all types of food samples (shellfish, fruits, vegetables, water, processed foods...). Astroviruses are non-enveloped and single strand RNA viruses. These human enteric viruses are responsible for viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. They are pathogenic for all age groups of the population however the children, the elderly and immuno-compromised people being particularly sensitive. These viruses are very infectious: few viral particles are sufficient to get sick.
Food samples can be contaminated by a food-handler during the various stages of food production or via the environment. Thanks to their structural properties, Astroviruses can persit to different food processes. The consumption of contaminated food can lead to outbreaks in the population. Their transmission mode is the feco-oral route.
The diagnostic by cellular culture or ELISA is not adapted to the detection astrovirus in food samples. Detection by real time RT-PCR, after extraction and purification of the viral RNA, is a method of choice taking into account its speed and its sensitivity. The detection limit varied from 1 to 10 copies depending of the quality of the analyzed nucleic acid.