Human Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold. These small viruses are members of the Enterovirus genus and grow best at temperatures just below body temperature. Thus the nose and nasal passages are the ideal environment for them to localize. Person-to-person transmission occurs from aerosol transmission via sneezing and coughing as well as from contaminated surfaces. There are 99 different Rhinovirus types based upon variation in the four outer capsid proteins (VP1-VP4). Reinfection with different types is common. ViroStat has released three new monoclonal antibodies that have broad reactivity with several Rhinovirus types. These antibodies are reactive with the VP3 capsid protein and function in ELISA and IFA to detect these viruses.

ViroStat, Inc., 207-856-6620, www.virostat-inc.com