BioScience Laboratories Announces Testing Capabilities for Murine Norovirus

    BOZEMAN, MT, February 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- BioScience Laboratories announces the capability of product efficacy testing versus Murine Norovirus. Murine (Mouse) Norovirus (MNV) is a surrogate for Human Norovirus. Human Noroviruses are estimated to be responsible for over 90% of non-bacterial epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks occur most commonly in semi-closed communities such as nursing homes, schools, hospitals, cruise ships and military settings. Noroviruses are small, round non-enveloped viruses that are stable in the environment and are innately resistance to many chemical microbicides.

It is not possible to grow Human Norovirus in cell culture. As a result, in 2005 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of Feline Calicivirus as a viral surrogate for Human Norovirus. However, many scientists believe that Murine Norovirus (MNV), which is genetically and phenotypically similar to Human Norovirus, is a better surrogate for efficacy-testing. Additionally, Health Canada prefers the use of Murine Norovirus as a surrogate for Human Norovirus when performing testing for human-use antiseptic drugs.

BioScience Laboratories has recently added this virus to its virology laboratory and can test for product efficacy against Murine Norovirus, the new surrogate of choice.

Now in its 21st year, BioScience Laboratories, Inc. provides antimicrobial product testing and result interpretation grounded in science. BioScience Laboratories, Inc. strives to assist its clients in strengthening their current market positions through product testing and aid in the development of new products and meeting federal regulatory agency requirements for the healthcare, pharmaceutical, personal care, and consumer products markets.

Website: http://www.biosciencelabs.com

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