Biotecon Diagnostics has announced the launch of the Foodproof Norovirus detection kit (GI, GII, GIV) — a fast, sensitive, easy-to-use, molecular diagnostic kit, designed for food testing in quality laboratories of food manufactures, analytical service providers and government laboratories.
Simultaneous, qualitative detection and differentiation of noroviruses from genogroups I, II and IV is possible with this kit using a one-step real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Based on primers and probes of the ISO/TS 15216 method and §64 German Food and Feed Code (LFGB), the Foodproof Norovirus detection kit contains an additional phage process control. This kit is intended for food testing purposes, and thus was verified for performance with a large variety of foods. This verification was made in conjunction with the Foodproof virus sample preparation kit to extract highly purified norovirus RNA from food. Applicability of the Foodproof Norovirus detection kit has been shown on all open real-time PCR platforms with appropriate technology for monitoring labeled, 5’ nuclease probes.
Norovirus is a ubiquitous pathogen that causes gastroenteritis worldwide. The pathogen is a RNA virus belonging to the virus family Caliciviridae. As a highly contagious virus, there are often major outbreaks, particularly in cafeteria-style facilities, such as child daycares, schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting. In some cases, norovirus infections can lead to other serious, life-threatening conditions, including dehydration, which can be fatal if left untreated. Norovirus can potentially be found contaminating all food prepared under poor hygienic conditions which was not sufficiently cooked. Severe outbreaks have been reportedly caused by contaminated salads, berries, raw vegetables, raw meat and shellfish. Different genotypes for norovirus exist. Among them are three human pathogenic genotypes: GI, GII and GIV. All of these genotypes are detectable with the new Biotecon diagnostics kit.
