Infectious Diseases Immunoassays

EBV
When an Epstein-Barr viral infection is suspected, serological diagnosis is the prime tool for assessment of the individual’s immune status. Routine serological investigation measures the antibody response to the viral proteins expressed during the lytic cycle and/or during latency; it almost always makes it possible to distinguish between acute and previous infections. It also makes it possible to monitor the history of the infection over time and show any reactivation.

Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Although the infection is usually either asymptomatic or associated with self-limited symptoms in adults (e.g. fever, malaise and lymphadenopathy), infection in pregnant women can cause serious health problems in the foetus if the parasites are present.

Rubella
Rubella is a mild exanthematous and moderately contagious disease caused by the Rubella virus, which is the sole member of the Rubivirus genus of the Togavirus family.

Cytomegalovirus
Human Cytomegalovirus belongs to the herpes virus family. It’s the most common agent of viral intrauterine infection and affects 0.5-2.0% of all live newborns in different parts of the world. In pregnant women, distinguishing the primary from non-primary HCMV infection is important. This is also true for immunocompromised patients, in whom primary infections are often accompanied by symptoms, whereas reactivation is usually asymptomatic.

Herpes Simplex Virus
Type 1 and 2 Herpes Simplex viruses (HSV 1, HSV 2) belong to the Herpesviridae family, in the Alphaherpesvirus subfamily and both are human pathogens.

Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus (Measles morbillivirus), which results in an infection of the respiratory system. The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and a generalized erythematous rash. It affects about 20 million people a year.

Mumps
Mumps is a viral disease caused by the mumps virus affecting salivary glands and the nervous system. Usually without consequences during childhood, it can lead to serious complications if contracted during adulthood.

VZV
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is one of the eight herpes viruses known to infect humans. VZV multiplies in the lungs, and causes a wide variety of symptoms. After the primary infection (chickenpox), the virus goes dormant in the nerves, including the cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia and autonomic ganglia.

Tetanus
Tetanus is a disease caused by Clostridium (C.) tetani, an obligate anaerobic spore-forming bacillus. In the presence of anaerobic conditions, spores will develop into the vegetative form which produces Tetanospasmin, a highly potent neurotoxin, which produces intense muscle spasms. After an incubation period of a few days up to several weeks, initial non-specific symptoms appear like fatigue, headache, dizziness and muscle pain. This phase is followed by characteristic cramps which diffuse from craniofacial to caudal muscles, as well as affecting the respiratory muscles. To check for immune status and the individual response to vaccination, the detection of antitoxin IgG antibodies, in the form of in vivo and in vitro techniques, are used.

Borrelia (Lyme Disease)
Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in the United States. In Europe and certain other regions of the world, the disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato consisting of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. The disease occurs in three stages, evolving from early to late disease when left untreated causing arthralgia and neurological side effects. Serological testing for antibodies directed to B. burgdorferi is the most common method for the biological detection of an infection.

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