Detection of Antibodies Directed Towards Zika Virus by PRNT
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Serological detection of neutralizing antibodies directed towards Zika (ZIKV) virus by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).
- Zika virus infection
Serum. Minimum volume of 250 µL required.
2 mL screw cap tubes.
Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Suspected Zika virus infection and relevant travel history. Submitted samples will first be analysed by the Viral Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory by Zika IgM and IgG ELISA to determine if the patient has developed anti-flavivirus antibodies. Samples that are reactive can be further analysed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Samples that are ELISA non-reactive (negative) will not be tested by PRNT.
Completed Viral Zoonoses requisition including sender laboratory name, address and telephone number. Patient name and / or identifier (specimen reference number), date of birth, test(s) requested, collection date of specimen, date of on-set of symptoms, type of specimen, and clinical and travel history of patient.
Submission of acute and convalescent samples collected >14 days apart will help distinguish acute versus past infection and potentially eliminate low level cross reactivity from past flavivirus virus infections.
The detection of IgG antibodies in a single serum sample is indicative of past or present exposure to this virus. A 4 fold rise or greater in neutralizing antibody titre, or seroconversion in paired sera, is required to document a "confirmed case" of infection.
IgM can persist in serum for up to a year or more after arbovirus exposure. Thus, detection of IgM by itself is not sufficient for confirmation of acute infection, but is consistent with an exposure at an undetermined time.
Isolation of an arbovirus or detection of nucleic acid by real-time RT-PCR in a clinical specimen provides clear evidence of infection associated with the current clinical illness.
21 calendar days