90-Second Read: Eurofins Companies Develop Diagnostic Solutions for Hantavirus Outbreak

Eurofins companies are developing new diagnostic solutions and monitoring a Hantavirus outbreak associated with the Andes strain. As of May 12, 11 Hantavirus cases and three deaths associated with a cruise ship outbreak have been reported. The laboratory is currently developing an NGS assay designed to identify known respiratory pathogens, including all Hantavirus strains.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has not yet issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a Hantavirus molecular test, Eurofins Viracor notes in a release that it is monitoring the situation. France: Eurofins Biomnis partners with the French reference centre as a screening laboratory for Hantavirus. Germany: Gold Standard Diagnostics Frankfurt offers ELISA assays to detect Hantavirus IgG and IgM antibodies in human plasma or serum.

Developed in conjunction with the German reference centre for Hantavirus, these tests provide results in two hours. For veterinary diagnostics, the company also offers assays for the qualitative determination of IgG antibodies against Hantavirus in veterinary serum, according to a release from the company. The company intends to use in vitro transcribed RNA for test validation purposes, an approach it previously utilized for SARS-CoV-2 testing in 2020 before positive samples were available, says the release.