TruQuick™ Norovirus
TruQuick Norovirus is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Norovirus in human feces specimens to aid in the diagnosis of Norovirus infection.
Noroviruses (NoV) are a genetically diverse group of single stranded RNA, nonenvelopped viruses belonging to the Caliciviridae family. For decades they were called “small round structured viruses” (SRSV) or “Norwalk-like viruses” until recently when their taxonomy was investigated using modern molecular techniques. Initially four antigenic types of SRSV were recognized, but more recently three genogroups have been identified with the genus Norovirus. Genogroup 1 and Genogroup 2 are associated with human infections whilst Genogroup 3 is associated with bovine and porcine infection.
Noroviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, often causing explosive outbreaks in institutions. They are highly contagious, with an inoculum of as few as ten particles being able to cause infection. Transmission occurs through ingesting contaminated food and water and by person-to-person spread. Transmission is predominantly faecal-oral but may be airborne due to aerosolisation of vomitus, which typically contains abundant infectious virus particles. Outbreaks may involve several routes of transmission. The illness is acute, usually mild, although it has caused fatalities among the frail elderly, and self-limiting and follows an incubation period of 24-48 hours although cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure. The ability of Noroviruses to cause outbreaks in institutions has become a major public health issue. Outbreaks of Norovirus infection can be associated with restaurants and institutions as diverse as nursing homes, hospitals and elite sporting camps. Infections in infants, elderly or frail patients can be fatal if left untreated.
- To collect fecal specimens: Collect sufficient quantity of feces (1-2 mL or 1-2 g) in a clean, dry specimen collection container to obtain enough virus particles. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within 6 hours after collection. Specimen collected may be stored for 3 days at 2-8 C if not tested within 6 hours. For long term storage, specimens should be kept below -20 C.
- To process fecal specimens:
- For Solid Specimens: Unscrew the cap of the specimen collection tube then randomly stab the specimen collection applicator into the fecal specimen in at least 3 different sites to collect approximately 50 mg of feces (equivalent to 1/4 of a pea). Do not scoop the fecal specimen.
- For Liquid Specimens: Hold the dropper vertically, aspirate fecal specimens, and then transfer 50 μL into the specimen collection tube containing the extraction buffer. Tighten the cap onto the Specimen Collection Tube, then shake the Specimen Collection Tube vigorously to mix the specimen and the Extraction Buffer.
- Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the Test Cassette from the foil pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch. 4. Hold the Specimen Collection Tube upright and unscrew the small cap of the Specimen Collection Tube. Invert the Specimen Collection Tube and transfer 2 full drops of the extracted specimen (approximately 80 μL) to the specimen well (S) of the Test Cassette, then start the timer. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well (S). See illustration below. 5. Read the results at 15 minutes after dispensing the specimen. Do not read results after 20 minutes.
- Shiota T, Okame M, Takanashi S, Khamrin P, Takagi M, Satou K, et al. Characterization of a broadly reactive monoclonal antibody against norovirus genogroups I and II: Recognition of a novel conformational epitope. J Virol. 2007;81:12298-12306.
- Nguyen TA, Khamrin P, Takanashi S, Le Hoang P, Pham LD, Hoang KT, et al. Evaluation of immunochromatography tests for detection of rotavirus and norovirus among Vietnamese children with acute gastroenteritis and the emergence of a novel norovirus GII.4 variant. J Trop Pediatr. 2007;53: 264-269.
- Okame M, Shiota T, Hansman G, Takagi M, Yagyu F, Takanashi S, et al. Anti-norovirus polyclonal antibody and its potential for development of an antigen-ELISA. J Med Virol. 2007;79:1180-6.
- Dewese Parker T, et al., Identification of genogroup I and genogroup II broadly reactive epitopes on the norovirus capsid, J of Virol. 2005 June;7402-7409.