Virus transmission primarily occurs via saliva. Primary infection with EBV in early childhood is usually asymptomatic, whereas later infection in adolescence or adulthood may cause infectious mononucleosis (kissing disease). EBV mainly infects B cells, in which the virus establishes lifelong persistence. Due to its transforming capacity, EBV is classified carcinogenic to humans (class I carcinogen). Numerous malignancies [e. g. Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PT-LPD)] have been linked to EBV-reactivation, which may be caused for instance by immune deficiency.
Close monitoring of EB viral load is of utmost importance in order to identify and evaluate potential virus reactivation at an early stage, especially in risk patients.
FluoroType® EBV allows for fast and reliable assessment of EB-viral loads from EDTA plasma using real-time PCR. Viral DNA is extracted automatically with the GenoXtract® followed by amplification, detection and quantification of characteristic target sequences using the FluoroCycler® 96. Internal controls monitor test performance from sample preparation to test result. Reliable EB viral load assessment in requires only two quantification standards, which are only determined once per kit lot, eliminating the need for standard measurements with each run. Results are directly indicated in International Units (IU/ml according to NIBSC WHO International Standard), no additional calculation or conversion has to be performed by the user. Additionally, virus concentrations beyond linear quantification range are evaluated as qualitative results. Interpretation of results is performed automatically by the Fluoro-Software®, for reliable test results within only three hours. FluoroType® EBV enables reliable viral load assessment, ensuring close patient monitoring.