ViroStat, Westbrook, Maine, has released a new rabbit monoclonal antibody to the group A carbohydrate (GAC) antigen of group A Streptococcus. Rapid detection of the Streptococcus group A bacterium is based upon immunoassay of the GAC that is released upon specimen extraction. The antibody functions in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and lateral-flow immunoassay applications, and pairs with itself as well as with the existing ViroStat Omnitope goat and rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Streptococcus pyogenes is the leading cause of strep throat and impetigo. This Gram-positive bacterium can also occasionally cause more severe invasive infections. For more information, visit ViroStat.
