Development of an accessible and scalable qPCR assay for Monkeypox virus detection

Authors

Abigail J. Porzucek, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Abigale M. Proctor, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Katharina E. Klinkhammer, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Sarah R. Tritsch, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Molly A. Robertson, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Jonathan P. Bashor, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Jack Villani, George Washington University Public Health Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Jorge L. Sepulveda, George Washington University Public Health Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Christopher N. Mores, Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-12-2022

Journal

The Journal of infectious diseases

DOI

10.1093/infdis/jiac414

Keywords

Monkeypox; PCR; diagnostics; emerging infectious disease; global health; outbreak response; qPCR assay

Abstract

During the 2022 monkeypox (MPX) outbreak, testing has been limited and results delayed, allowing ongoing transmission. Gold-standard qPCR diagnostics are difficult to obtain. This research adapted the June 2022 CDC MPX qPCR assay for broad implementation. Validated using MPX stocks in a matrix with multiple sample types, MPX was detected with Cq values of 17.46 to 35.59 and titer equivalents 8.01 × 106 to 2.45 × 100 PFU/mL. The detection limit was 3.59 PFU/mL. Sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. This qPCR assay can be quickly and broadly implemented in research and public health labs to increase diagnostic capacity amid the growing MPX outbreak.

APA Citation

Porzucek, Abigail J.; Proctor, Abigale M.; Klinkhammer, Katharina E.; Tritsch, Sarah R.; Robertson, Molly A.; Bashor, Jonathan P.; Villani, Jack; Sepulveda, Jorge L.; and Mores, Christopher N., "Development of an accessible and scalable qPCR assay for Monkeypox virus detection" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1780.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1780

Department

Global Health