Deciphering the Working Principle of Rapid Detection Reagents for Monkeypox Virus

Rapid detection reagents for the monkeypox virus play a key role in epidemic prevention and control, and the working principles behind them are worthy of in – depth exploration. Currently, the commonly used rapid detection reagents for the monkeypox virus are mainly based on three principles: nucleic acid detection, antigen detection, and antibody detection.

Nucleic acid detection reagents are one of the most widely used types. Take real – time fluorescent quantitative PCR technology as an example. It uses the unique nucleic acid sequence of the monkeypox virus to design specific primers and probes. In the PCR reaction system, the primers bind to a specific region of the monkeypox virus nucleic acid. Under the action of DNA polymerase, the virus nucleic acid is used as a template for amplification. At the same time, the probe specifically binds to the amplified product. When the fluorescent group and the quenching group are separated, the fluorescent signal is released. By real – time monitoring of the intensity of the fluorescent signal, it is possible to determine whether the monkeypox virus nucleic acid exists in the sample and the content of the virus. This method has high sensitivity and can detect the virus nucleic acid at extremely low concentrations, but it requires professional equipment and technicians to operate.

Antigen detection reagents are based on the immunochromatography method. Specific anti – monkeypox virus antibodies are fixed on the nitrocellulose membrane. When the monkeypox virus antigen in the sample meets the antibody on the test strip, a specific binding occurs. Then, another anti – monkeypox virus antibody with a marker (such as colloidal gold) further binds to the antibody that has already bound to the antigen, forming an antigen – antibody – labeled antibody complex. If the monkeypox virus antigen exists in the sample, the marker will accumulate at the detection line, showing a colored band. The test result is judged by observing the presence or absence of the band with the naked eye. Antigen detection is simple, rapid, and does not require professional equipment, but its sensitivity is relatively low, and false – negative results are likely to occur.

Antibody detection reagents mainly use the indirect immunofluorescence method or chemiluminescence method. In the indirect immunofluorescence method, the monkeypox virus antigen is fixed on a slide. The serum sample to be tested is added. If the serum contains antibodies against the monkeypox virus, the antibodies will bind to the antigen. Then, a fluorescently labeled anti – human immunoglobulin antibody is added, which will bind to the human antibody bound to the antigen. Observed under a fluorescence microscope, if specific fluorescence appears, it indicates that antibodies against the monkeypox virus exist in the sample. The chemiluminescence method uses chemiluminescent substances to label anti – monkeypox virus antibodies or antigens, and the content or presence of monkeypox virus antibodies in the sample is judged by detecting the intensity of the light signal. Antibody detection is mainly used to determine whether the tested person has been infected with the monkeypox virus, but there is a certain window period, and antibodies may not be detected in the early stage of infection.

The different detection principles of rapid detection reagents for the monkeypox virus have their own advantages and disadvantages. In practical applications, appropriate detection reagents should be selected according to different detection needs and scenarios to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection and provide strong support for the prevention and control of the monkeypox epidemic.