As an RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2's genome replication is innately error-prone such that mutations are expected (1). Every now and then, a mutation will provide an adaptive advantage (such as increased transmissibility or infectivity to a human host), and will be positively selected for in the population. This process drives viral genome evolution, and gives rise to the rich diversity of viral strains and lineages that we see. However, for SARS-CoV-2, the unexpected emergence of such diversity since late 2020 has led to considerable anxiety around the progression of disease, and the efficacy of diagnostics and vaccines to control its spread.

A recent study, published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, describes a new, more sensitive Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) assay1. This study, led by Song-Mei Liu, MD, PhD, of the Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in China, is particularly exciting because the new assay can be used to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an earlier stage and to manage antiviral HBV treatments more effectively. It also highlights the way innovative molecular diagnostics can play a synergistic role with the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutics.

On April 4th, 2018, a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) occurred in Equateur Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of June 10th, there have been a total of 55 EVD cases and 28 deaths with a case fatality rate of 50.9%. Although the outbreak remains active, public health authorities have expressed cautious optimism because there have been no new cases in two of the three affected areas (Bikoro and Wangata zones) since May 17th, 2018 and the rate of new cases in the third affected zone (Iboko) has slowed.1

September is National Food Safety Education Month. This is also a time to return to school and learning, so it is a good time to learn about food safety in ready-to-eat and perishable foods often packed in school lunches. Listeria is one of the most common foodborne bacteria and is found in a wide range of foods; from ready-to-eat to produce and meat. The latest draft guidance released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Foods,” supports ongoing efforts by industry and government agencies to reduce the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods (1). The guidance includes recommendations for controls involving personnel, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, and sanitation, as well as for treatments that kill Listeria and prevent it from growing during storage of food between production and consumption. The guidance emphasizes the importance of routine testing for Listeria. Therefore, it is important to learn about the methods and reagents that can be used to detect Listeria to prevent foodborne outbreaks.

What is Zika? Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus that was first isolated in 1947 in a rhesus monkey from the Zika forest of Uganda. Until 2007, only 14 human cases were reported. The first large human outbreak occurred in 2007 (Yap Island, Micronesia, Pacific) followed by French Polynesia in 2013 that resulted in more than 30,000 cases. In early 2015, the virus came to international attention due to the outbreak in Brazil. Since then the epidemic has spread to more than 50 countries in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, causing tens of thousands of infections. ZIKV is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya. ZIKV can also be transmitted sexually and during pregnancy from the infected mother to the fetus.

Guest author: Han Joo Lee, Ph.D., SeraCare Technical Product Manager A cursory look at recent Zika Virus outbreak news headlines is alarming enough: “Zika Virus birth defects may be the ‘Tip of the Iceberg’, experts say”; “Brain damage in Zika babies is far worse than doctors expected”; and “Zika mutates extremely quickly, which is why it’s so scary”. In addition, for the United States the estimated range maps of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have been recently updated, widening the range previously reported to all but 10 states within the US.