HHV8, human herpes virus type 8, is a DNA-containing member of the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily. HHV8 is also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In addition to this disease, it can also cause other pathologies: primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease. To diagnose the infection, biopsy studies, molecular methods, and the detection of antibodies to the virus in the blood serum are usually used.
Laboratory diagnosis of HHV-8 infection is most often based on serological tests such as immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot. Typically, IgM antibodies begin to appear at 7-14 days, and IgG at 14-21 days and play a role in neutralizing the virus, providing long-term immunity. Serological diagnostic methods help in establishing a diagnosis, as well as in screening organs for transplantation, which is a mandatory step.
Vitrotest offers purified monoclonal antibodies specific for the HHV8 virus. These monoclonal antibodies can be used for the development of various diagnostic kits or scientific research. Another purpose is to create positive controls and calibrators from monoclonal antibodies, which eliminates the problem of finding patient sera for use in an indirect version of ELISA.
