Dublin, Ireland – 30th May 2023 - Aalto Bio Reagents, has recently launched their new Mouse Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) to Cholera Toxin B (CM 1431) in response to the escalating cholera outbreak in Africa and southern Asia, as well as a growing risk of a cholera outbreak in the Ukraine. The outbreak has reached critical levels and has been aggravated by a severe shortage of cholera vaccines and extreme climate events. Currently, over 25 countries are affected by cholera, with an “estimated 1.3 - 4 million cases reported annually” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). To address the limited vaccine supplies, the International Coordination Group of Vaccine Institutions decided in October 2022 to implement “dose sparing”, which aims to partially vaccinate more people for shorter periods of time. The WHO held a Q&A session on the 23rd of May 2023, highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration and resource mobilization to combat this highly contagious and preventable disease.
Cholera belongs to the family of Vibrionaceae and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This waterborne illness is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Cholera is characterized by severe gastroenteritis, leading to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in affected individuals. The bacterium thrives in unsanitary conditions, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. It spreads rapidly, especially during outbreaks, through person-to-person contact and the contamination of water sources. Prompt medical intervention with rehydration therapy and antibiotics is crucial to manage and control cholera, preventing further complications and fatalities.
Cholera toxin, the causative agent of cholera, is composed of two subunits: the A subunit (CTA) and the B subunit (CTB). CTB plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cholera and its binding to host cells. CTB is a protein composed of five identical subunits, forming a pentameric structure. Each subunit consists of two domains: the carbohydrate-binding domain and the GM1 ganglioside-binding domain. Once CTB binds to GM1 on host cells, it triggers a process known as endocytosis, where the host cell engulfs the CTB-GM1 complex by forming a vesicle called an endosome, allowing the toxin to enter the host cell. Aalto Bio’s MAb to Cholera Toxin B, which specifically targets CTB, reacts with intact toxin and does not cross-react with E. coli heat labile toxin, another common acute gastrointestinal disease.
“Cholera remains a significant health concern in many areas, and timely and accurate detection is crucial for effective management and control. Our new antibody serves as a valuable tool to in-vitro diagnostic manufacturers to aid their development of innovative solutions to combat this disease.” said Philip Noone, CEO of Aalto Bio Reagents.
About Aalto Bio Reagents
Aalto Bio Reagents, founded in 1978, is a leading developer and provider of biological raw materials to the in-vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories globally. It serves the largest multinational companies in the industry with a broad range of purified human proteins; monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies; fungal, parasitic, bacterial, and viral antigens; and disease state plasma for in-vitro diagnostic application. Based in Dublin, Ireland, and now a member of the Biosynth Group, the company is rapidly expanding both its product portfolio and customer base. For further information please visit www.aaltobioreagents.com
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