DiaSorin operating in the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) field, launched a FDA cleared molecular diagnostic test- “VZV Direct assay” for use with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The new test serves as an effective tool to aid in the diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis and enables the detection of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA from CSF. VZV Direct assay test is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of infections by varicella-zoster virus of the central nervous system. It is a real-time polymerase chain reaction system that allows the direct amplification and detection of VZV DNA from unprocessed cerebral spinal fluid specimens without nucleic acid extraction.
Varicella-zoster virus is a ubiquitous human alpha- herpesvirus and is more prevalent in temperate climates, occurring most often during late winter and spring which causes varicella i.e. chicken pox and herpes zoster i.e. shingles. It is member of herpesvirus group that causes highly communicable diseases.
Acute varicella is usually mild and self-limited but can be associated with complications such as thrombocytopenia, purpura fulminans, myocarditis, arthritis, orchitis, uveitis, iritis, transverse myelitis etc. The most common neurologic complications of varicella are varicella encephalitis and cerebellar ataxia. The foremost human herpesviruses commonly prevalent in middle age adults recognized in encephalitis setting are herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and VZV.
About DiaSorin
DiaSorin S.p.A was founded in 1968 and headquartered in Saluggia, VC Italy. It is a biotechnology-based company operating its business in healthcare, biotechnology, in vitro diagnostic, immunoassay, molecular diagnostic, blood tests, GI stool testing, vitamin d, prenatal screening, and infectious diseases. The company develop, produce and market reagent kits for IVD globally and has its presence in continents with 25 companies, 5 foreign branches, 6 manufacturing facilities and 5 research centers worldwide. The research and development department is focusing on new test in molecular diagnostics to increase efficiency, enabling better management of patients with fast, reliable and clinically actionable assay results.