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Institute of Diagnostic Virology (IVD)

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National Reference Laboratory for Monkeypox

Information of the FLI on the current Situation

FAQ Monkeypox, Version May 24, 2022 (accessible PDF)

Monkeypox is caused by Orthopoxvirus simiae, a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. It causes disease in monkeys, but its reservoir hosts probably are squirrels and other rodents. Monkeypox is a zoonosis, it can be transmitted to humans. Disease is humans is similar to smallpox, but usually milder.

Monkeypox infection predominantly occurs in Western and Central Africa. The illegal import of sick animals poses a risk for other countries.

  • Primary contact for federal and state authorities for questions of orthopox virus diagnosis in animals
  • Virus isolation, PCR and serological tests
  • Development, standardization and improvement of diagnostic methods for orthopox virus
  • Virus isolation in cell culture
  • Genome detection with diverse PCR methods
  • Strain characterization by PCR and sequencing
  • Immunofluorescence techniques for orthopox virus antibody detection
  • Orthopox strains (especially cowpox)
  • Orthopox DNA
  • Bovine cowpox antisera
  • Optimization of orthopox virus genome detection and characterization by PCR and sequencing
  • Studies on orthopox virus antibody prevalence in livestock
  • Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1398/2003 der Kommission vom 5. August 2003 zur Änderung von Anhang A der Richtlinie 92/65/EWG des Rates zwecks Aufnahme des kleinen Bienenstockkäfers (Aethina tumida), der Tropilaelapsmilbe (Tropilaelaps spp.), der Ebola und der Affenpocken in Verbindung mit VO Anzeigepflichtige Tierseuchen und Tierimpfstoff-VO