Meridian Bioscience, Inc. announced that it has received the CE Mark for new molecular assays for the detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2), to be run on its molecular platform, illumigene®. The HSV 1&2 assays are additions to the portfolio of molecular tests available for use on the illumigene platform; including C. difficile, Chlamydia, Group A Streptococcus, Group B Streptococcus, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma and Pertussis. All illumigene® products are distributed in the EMEA regions by Meridian Bioscience Europe and in additional international markets by the Company’s global distribution network.
Mike Shaughnessy, Executive Vice President and President of Meridian Global Diagnostics stated, “With the launch of our HSV 1&2 tests, our illumigene platform now supports nine molecular assays. Coupled with our Chlamydia and Gonorrhea assays launched earlier this year, Meridian is now able to offer a compelling STD and Women's Health portfolio that will empower laboratories to test in-house while using best in practice diagnostic methods for both infections.” (1,2)
illumigene HSV 1&2 assays utilize cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens from symptomatic patients for the qualitative detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The test procedure is the same for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, and both test results are available within one hour in order to guide patient counseling and management. Unlike other molecular systems, the illumigene platform does not require expensive capital equipment or costly annual service contracts. The performance and simplicity of this technology, along with its cost efficiency and small footprint, make these new assays ideal for enabling a more rapid diagnosis in a moderately complex laboratory setting.
HSV is a major health concern because both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted perinatally from mother to child, and in some cases, cause fatal infection in infants. Other serious complications from HSV 1&2 include blindness, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. Testing with illumigene HSV 1&2 facilitates same day reporting, treating and counseling for optimal patient management.
(1) Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Recommendations and Reports, 2010. MMWR 2010:59
(2) Patel R, Alderson S, Geretti A, et al. 2010 European guideline for the management of genital herpes. http://www.iusti.org/regions/Europe/pdf/2010/Euro_Guideline_2010_herpes.pdf
Mike Shaughnessy, Executive Vice President and President of Meridian Global Diagnostics stated, “With the launch of our HSV 1&2 tests, our illumigene platform now supports nine molecular assays. Coupled with our Chlamydia and Gonorrhea assays launched earlier this year, Meridian is now able to offer a compelling STD and Women's Health portfolio that will empower laboratories to test in-house while using best in practice diagnostic methods for both infections.” (1,2)
illumigene HSV 1&2 assays utilize cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens from symptomatic patients for the qualitative detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The test procedure is the same for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, and both test results are available within one hour in order to guide patient counseling and management. Unlike other molecular systems, the illumigene platform does not require expensive capital equipment or costly annual service contracts. The performance and simplicity of this technology, along with its cost efficiency and small footprint, make these new assays ideal for enabling a more rapid diagnosis in a moderately complex laboratory setting.
HSV is a major health concern because both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted perinatally from mother to child, and in some cases, cause fatal infection in infants. Other serious complications from HSV 1&2 include blindness, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. Testing with illumigene HSV 1&2 facilitates same day reporting, treating and counseling for optimal patient management.
(1) Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Recommendations and Reports, 2010. MMWR 2010:59
(2) Patel R, Alderson S, Geretti A, et al. 2010 European guideline for the management of genital herpes. http://www.iusti.org/regions/Europe/pdf/2010/Euro_Guideline_2010_herpes.pdf