Viral Testing
The protocols used by Entomogen Inc. conform to (or exceed) the OMOHLTC's 'gold standard' for mosquito viral testing. This was established in 2003 by the National Sterring Committee on West Nile Virus Surveillance, Mosquito Subcommittee - a subcommittee chaired by Dr. Robin Lindsay (National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB). Viral testing is done according to the National Guidelines and the protocols established by Lanciotti et al.
(Lanciotti, RS, Kerst, AJ., Nasci, RS., Godsey, MS., Mitchell, CJ., Savage, HM., Komar, N., Panella, NA., Allen, BC., Volpe, KE., Davis, BS., and Roehrig, JT. Rapid Detection of West Nile Virus from Human Clinical Specimens, Field-Collected Mosquitoes, and Avian Samples by a TaqMan Reverse Transcriptase-PCR assay. J. Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:4066-4071.)
The process involves three main steps: Mosquito Homogenization, RNA Extraction and Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real-Time RT-PCR). Each step is performed with utmost care with emphasis on aseptic techniques by trained and qualified personnel. The viral testing program is run by Dr. Michael Bidochka (Registered Microbiologist, Canadian College of Microbiologists; Professor of Biological Sciences at Brock University; Director of Biotechnology at Brock University; President of Microbanalysis Inc.)
We are the Ontario experts in WNV Real-Time RT-PCR analysis. In support of this claim, we have a paper in the peer-reviewed journal, Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, entitled West Nile Virus Infection Rates in Pooled and Individual Mosquito Samples. Condotta, S., F.F. Hunter and M.J. Bidochka. 2004. West Nile Virus Infection Rates in Pooled and Individual Mosquito Samples. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 4: 198-203.
Knowledge and Experience
Our senior viral tester was trained at the internationally recognized National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
Commitment
We have recently expanded our testing services to include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) as well as West Nile virus.
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