ViroStat has developed and released two new sets of Monotope monoclonal antibodies to the major capsid protein of the GI and GII noroviruses. These new antibodies function in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral-flow applications for rapid detection of these viruses.
Noroviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that possess a non-enveloped protein capsid. Noroviruses that infect humans belong to genogroups GI and GII. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the USA and thus the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Transmission of the virus occurs via contaminated food, surfaces and infected individuals. Outbreaks develop quickly in contained environments such as nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.