The Herpesviruses family is widespread and linked to a variety of human disease states. There are currently 9 known (variants) in this family of viruses.
After extensive research, Fairfax Identity Laboratories (FIL) has developed a proprietary panel of DNA-based tests that can not only detect the presence of virus but can also *measure the levels (i.e., viral load) of these viruses* in the blood. Our panel is variant specific and can therefore detect each specific variant even in the presence of other, closely related, members of the family.
CBI is CLIA and AABB accredited.
The various herpes viruses are endemic, and there is an urgent need for effective ways to test for their presence. Similarly, monitoring the course of treatment is an urgent need. However, there are serious shortcomings in current methods of detecting human herpes viruses. For the most part, current methods are time-consuming and are insensitive both to viral strain and to viral concentrations. They also lack the necessary sensitivity to detect very low levels of virus.
Further, large volumes of physiological samples may be required and the lack of reproducible measurements from peripheral blood samples usually means that considerably more invasively obtained physiological samples, such as cerebrospinal fluid, must be obtained.
There are eight known human herpes viruses. The alpha herpesvirinae include the simplex viruses, HSV 1 and HSV 2 and the Varicellovirus (VZV, or HHV 3) . The beta herpesviriniae include human herpes virus 5 (Cytomegalovirus; CMV or HHV 5), HHV 6, and HHV 7 (Roseolovirus). The gamma herpes virinae HHV 4 (Epstein Barr virus or EBV) and HHV 8 (Rhadinovirus).
It is estimated that more than 90% of the world's population has been exposed to EBV, which is associated with infectious mononucleosis ("glandular fever"). There is also a well-established relationship between EBV and oncogenesis, particularly in relation to Burkitt's lymphoma nasopharyngeocarcinoma. Infection also is associated with immuno-suppressed patients and with patients suffering from Hodgkin's disease.
CMV (HHV 5) is also significant in today’s population and is known to cause lung infections in immune-suppressed persons. Infection with HHV 5 is very common. The virus probably is transmitted by saliva, sexual contact, and droplets, and through blood transfusions.
EBV and CMV are both associated with chronic-fatigue syndrome (CFS), affecting about six in every 100,000 people.
Less clearly characterized is the pathogenic role of HHV 6, associated with roseola infantum infection in children and with immuno-compromised patients. The influence of HHV 6 infection in AIDS patients may be important but is unclear.
Perhaps the most significant aspect to HHV 6 infection is its association with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, no definitive viral connection has yet been made.
At present there is no clear evidence for the direct involvement of HHV 7 in any human disease, but it has been suggested that it is associated in HHV 6 related infections.
HHV 8 appears to be linked with Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
Through a unique bioinformatics approach, FIL scientists have developed unique PCR primers and fluorogenic hybridization probes (patent pending) that allow specific assay of HHV 1 + 2, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8 down to as /few as 10 copies of viral DNA, and in some cases, down to as little as single copies of viral DNA/ (patent pending).
In high through-put format, using the TaqMan™ assay platform, FIL is able to assay peripheral serum samples in rapid fashion and quantify the level of viral DNA present in each sample.
The FIL assay platform of the HHV?s offers a significant advance for detecting, identifying and monitoring the course of infection.
FIL's experienced staff and extensive equipment allows a rapid turnaround time of a few days, regardless of the number of samples submitted. CBI is also able to accommodate large numbers of samples submitted simultaneously.
With as little as 1 mL serum or cerebrospinal fluid, FIL can perform selected assays or a full panel of HHV assays (usually, HHV 4,5,6 and 7).
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the HHV assays are EXPERIMENTAL in nature and that the FIL assay platform has NOT been validated by the FDA or any other regulatory authority
Our order form [pdf] is available online.
Fairfax Identity Laboratories (“FIL”) has been at the forefront of DNA profiling technology for identity since it opened it’s doors in 1990. FIL’s rigorous standards guarantee beyond a reasonable doubt the credible evidence that clients demand. Their results affect decisions regarding criminal trials, parentage establishment, immigration, estate settlement, adoption, and other issues of identity. FIL provides state of the art Forensics, Paternity and CODIS services to government and private concerns. FIL is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, the National Forensic Science Technology Center, the State of New York and CLIA. Its Directors have extensive laboratory and courtroom experience.
Established in 1992, CBI is among the most comprehensive CROs in existence, offering Concept to Clinic fundamental technologies applicable to state-of-the-art Life Sciences investigations. CBI also offers Drug Development services. Visit CBI on the web at cbi-biotech.com for a full listing of our capabilities. Or contact us by telephone, fax or by mail at the address below:
Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc.
601 Biotech Drive
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: 800-735-9224 (800-RELY-CBI)
FAX: 804-648-2641