Objectif
The main objective of the project is the development and distribution of a set of high-quality, standardized, and evaluated PCR-based detection methods for variola virus and viruses causing hemorrhagic fever (VHP; Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Lassa virus and related South American arenaviruses, and CCHF virus). The implementation of these assays in the diagnostic service of all existing European P4 laboratories will establish a laboratory infrastructure that can provide high quality diagnostic services to all Member States. Furthermore, in order to facilitate wide distribution and safe handling of PCR assays for the most relevant viruses (variola virus, Ebola and Marburg viruses, Lassa virus, and CCHF virus), the assays will be produced by a company (SME) as ready-to-use kits. These assays are intended as a rapid first-line diagnostic tool. They will also be made available to experienced laboratories in Member States, for example those of the European Network of Imported Viral Diseases (ENIVD), which do not have direct access to P4 facilities. A different set of PCR assays shall be developed for confirmatory testing. These are not produced as a kit and are to be used mainly by the P4 laboratories. The development of the PCR assays requires the concerted action of all European laboratories experienced in handling and diagnosing VHF and pox viruses as well as of a company experienced in developing and producing PCR kits for infectious agents. The project is based on pooling of the resources available in all P4 laboratories (technologies, virus strains, human and animal samples) to optimise and evaluate the PCR assays. Great attention is paid to demonstration activities and inter-laboratory quality control measures to ensure that the novel technologies arising from the project will be implemented in high-quality in the diagnostic service of all participating laboratories.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
FP6-2002-SSP-1
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Régime de financement
CA - Coordination actionCoordinateur
HAMBURG
Allemagne