Seegene has developed two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test assays for mpox research testing.
The Novaplex MPXV/OPXV Assay (RUO) is designed to detect pathogens caused by orthopox-viruses, including clades I and II of the mpox virus. This test enables early differentiation, according to Seegene.
The Novaplex HSV-1&2/VZV/MPXV Assay (RUO) is designed to detect four viruses, including clades I and II of the mpox virus, types 1 and 2 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), as well as the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that exhibits symptoms similar to the mpox virus.
Both assays feature dual internal controls (i.e., endogenous internal control, exogenous internal control) within the same tube, Seegene said. These controls validate the integrity of the sample and verify the entire testing process, ensuring highly reliable results, according to the company.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14 due to a dramatic upsurge in cases in and around the Democratic Republic of Congo.
