Molecular Biology & Genomics Centre

Pathogen Identification


Molecular based methods have advanced the centre testing to faster and better diagnostics. PCR methods, microarray and next generation sequencing have provided speed and high level of accuracy. Molecular biology based methods are sensitive and quick to detect microbial pathogens in various clinical specimens. We offer molecular detection of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites from clinical specimens. MBG is ISO 15189 accredited and benefits from a stand-alone containment Level 3 facility where samples for highly contagious pathogen are received and processed.


All Bacteria Virus Fungi Parasite


Accredited
Assay Code HPF-071
Description Ebola and Marburg virus are genera within the family Filoviridae. Genus Marburg­ virus contains a single species termed Marburg virus (MARV). Genus Ebola virus contains five species: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BEBOV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SEBOV), Tai Forest ebolavirus (TAFV) and Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV).

All known Ebola and Marburg virus species are endemic in Africa except RESTV which is endemic in South-East Asia. Natural hosts of filoviruses are fruit-bats. After transmission to humans, filoviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fever with a relatively high mortality rate of 20-90% (depending on the species and strain in the single outbreaks). The mode of transmission is often difficult to determine. Hunting, slaughtering and consumption of infected wild animals are likely ways of introduction of the virus into the human population. Direct contact to bats has also been shown to be a possible way of infection.

Symptoms are rather unspecific at the beginning of the disease including general malaise, fever and pain in different body parts. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased function of the liver and kidney are seen. Infectious virus titer and RNA-titer during acute disease are usually high and the level of viremia is negatively correlated with the outcome of the disease.

Pathogens Tested
  • Zaire ebola virus
  • Marburg virus

Method Real-Time RT-PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : EDTA Blood, Serum
Alternatives : Body fluids
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Please contact MBG Lab in advance for the correct package and transport requirements.
Turn Around Time (TAT) TAT for routine samples is within 3 working days. Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day (unless urgent).
Urgent Samples will be reported within 24-48 hours and will be charged double.

Links




Molecular Biology & Genomics Centre

Pathogen Identification


Molecular based methods have advanced the centre testing to faster and better diagnostics. PCR methods, microarray and next generation sequencing have provided speed and high level of accuracy. Molecular biology based methods are sensitive and quick to detect microbial pathogens in various clinical specimens. We offer molecular detection of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites from clinical specimens. MBG is ISO 15189 accredited and benefits from a stand-alone containment Level 3 facility where samples for highly contagious pathogen are received and processed.


All Bacteria Virus Fungi Parasite


Accredited
Assay Code HPF-071
Description Ebola and Marburg virus are genera within the family Filoviridae. Genus Marburg­ virus contains a single species termed Marburg virus (MARV). Genus Ebola virus contains five species: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BEBOV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SEBOV), Tai Forest ebolavirus (TAFV) and Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV).

All known Ebola and Marburg virus species are endemic in Africa except RESTV which is endemic in South-East Asia. Natural hosts of filoviruses are fruit-bats. After transmission to humans, filoviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fever with a relatively high mortality rate of 20-90% (depending on the species and strain in the single outbreaks). The mode of transmission is often difficult to determine. Hunting, slaughtering and consumption of infected wild animals are likely ways of introduction of the virus into the human population. Direct contact to bats has also been shown to be a possible way of infection.

Symptoms are rather unspecific at the beginning of the disease including general malaise, fever and pain in different body parts. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased function of the liver and kidney are seen. Infectious virus titer and RNA-titer during acute disease are usually high and the level of viremia is negatively correlated with the outcome of the disease.

Pathogens Tested
  • Zaire ebola virus
  • Marburg virus

Method Real-Time RT-PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : EDTA Blood, Serum
Alternatives : Body fluids
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Please contact MBG Lab in advance for the correct package and transport requirements.
Turn Around Time (TAT) TAT for routine samples is within 3 working days. Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day (unless urgent).
Urgent Samples will be reported within 24-48 hours and will be charged double.

Links