Wesselsbron Virus

Wesselsbron virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. In sheep and goats it causes abortion, congenital malformations and high mortality in newborn lambs and kids, and it can also infect cattle. It is zoonotic and causes a febrile, influenza-like illness in humans. As its clinical signs resemble those of Rift Valley fever, differential molecular diagnosis is important.

The OneqPCR-realtime™ Wesselsbron Virus Kit is a ready-to-use assay for the specific detection of Wesselsbron Virus RNA by one-step real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR): reverse transcription and amplification take place in a single tube. Specific primers and a FAM-labelled hydrolysis probe amplify the target, while an internal control detected in the HEX channel reveals possible PCR inhibition or extraction failure. Positive and negative controls are included, and results can be analysed qualitatively or quantitatively using a standard curve.