Published: May 12, 2026 | Category: Virology & Vaccine Research

As the global health community responds to the ongoing Andes virus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, researchers and diagnostic developers need reliable tools to advance detection methods and therapeutic research. ProSci offers 9 validated hantavirus antibodies targeting multiple strains including Andes, Sin Nombre, Hantaan, and Puumala — essential reagents for hantavirus research and surveillance.

ProSci Has the Hantavirus Antibodies You Need

ProSci carries 9 polyclonal antibodies targeting four different hantavirus species. All are validated for ELISA applications, with trial sizes available for the Andes virus antibodies — ideal for assay development and research applications.

“When emerging infectious disease outbreaks occur, researchers need immediate access to validated reagents. Our Andes virus antibodies have been validated for ELISA, and we’re proud to support the scientific community as they work to better understand and respond to this outbreak.”

— Carla Stephens, General Manager, ProSci LLC

Understanding the Current Andes Virus Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively responding to a hantavirus outbreak that has affected passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. CDC staff are among the world’s foremost hantavirus experts, with decades of experience responding to and controlling outbreaks.

Andes virus (ANDV) is a rodent-borne hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae — an enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus with a tripartite genome that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It was isolated from an infected Oligoryzomys longicaudatus rodent in Chile and is highly similar to the Sin Nombre virus (SNV). What makes Andes virus particularly notable among hantaviruses is its documented capacity for person-to-person transmission, although such transmission typically requires close, prolonged contact with an infected individual.

According to the CDC, the risk of a pandemic caused by this outbreak and the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low.

The Role of Andes Virus Antibodies in Research and Diagnostics

Antibodies targeting hantavirus proteins play an essential role in multiple research and diagnostic applications. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is highly conserved across hantavirus strains and generates a strong immune response early in infection, making it a primary target for antibody-based detection methods. The glycoprotein is critical for viral entry and is a key target for neutralizing antibody studies.

Researchers utilize Andes virus antibodies for ELISA development and validation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence assays, and flow cytometry applications. These tools enable laboratories to identify infected samples, validate diagnostic assays, and conduct epidemiological surveillance studies.

Why Hantavirus Research Matters Now

While the overall risk to the general public from the current outbreak remains low according to health authorities, the emergence of any infectious disease outbreak underscores the importance of robust surveillance systems and diagnostic capabilities. The 42-day monitoring period for exposed individuals reflects the extended incubation period of hantavirus infections, during which early detection tools become critically important.

Research into hantavirus immunology also informs therapeutic development. Studies have shown that neutralizing antibody responses correlate strongly with survival from HPS, driving interest in monoclonal antibody therapeutics as potential post-exposure treatments.

ProSci’s Commitment to Virology Research

For over 28 years, ProSci has supported researchers working on emerging infectious diseases, from HIV and influenza to coronaviruses and beyond. Our US-based production facilities and NIH/OLAW-assured animal care programs ensure consistent quality and reliable supply for your research programs.

Whether you’re developing diagnostic assays, conducting surveillance research, or exploring therapeutic approaches, our technical support team is available to help you identify the right reagents for your specific applications.

Explore our full catalog of virology and vaccine research reagents or contact our team to discuss your project needs.