Introduction

Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) is a double-stranded 125 kb DNA virus and a member of Herpesviridae family. Varicella (chickenpox) is the result of childhood infection. Following the initial infection virus remains latent in nervous ganglia. Reactivation of the virus in adults results in Zoster (shingles). Infection during pregnancy may also lead to congenital defects.

VZV RQ kit provides a ready-to-use Real-Time PCR system for detection and quantitation of Varicella Zoster virus with Rotor-Gene or StepOne machines. This method provides the highest sensitivity and widest dynamic range among other available methods. In this method application of fluorescent dye labeled probes allows detection of amplified product. Analysis of fluorescent kinetics also leads to quantification of the target sequence in the reaction without requiring post-amplification analysis, reducing the possibility of contamination with the PCR product.

This kit also incorporates an Internal Control (IC) to identify possible extraction failure or PCR inhibition.