Molecular Detection of Mayaro Virus by Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

Molecular detection of Mayaro virus (YF) by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.

• Mayaro fever

Serum is the preferred specimen; however testing may also be performed on plasma or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).  Other bodily fluids and tissues may be considered for testing, please contact the Viral Zoonoses laboratory to verify suitability. Minimum volume of 600 µl.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes – submit in 2 ml O-ring tube.

Store samples frozen until shipped for testing.   Ship samples on dry 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 Mayaro virus infection and relevant travel history.

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. 

Please note that the date of sample collection with respect to symptom onset is essential to help determine which tests are conducted and for interpretation of results.

This test is considered investigational as it has not been extensively validated or verified.

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified due to a lack of well-characterized panel.

Mayaro virus real-time RT-PCR based on TaqMan chemistry. Two separate singleplex assays are performed targeting two distinct genomic regions; a result is classified as positive if both targets are detected and each Ct value falls within a pre-established cut-off value for each assay. If only a single target is detected, the test is repeated and/or other testing platforms may be enlisted to resolve the interpretation of the result.

21 calendar days.

1. Naveca, F.G., Nascimento, V.A., Souza, V.C., Nunes, B.T.D., Rodriquez, D.S.G., & Vasconcelos, P.F.D.C. (2017). Multiplexed reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection of Mayaro, Oropouche, and Oropouche-like viruses. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 112(7) 510-513.
2. Long, K.C., Ziegler, S.A., Thangamani, S., Hausser, N.L., Kochel, T.J., Higgs, S., & Tesh, R.B. (2011). Experimental Transmission of Mayaro Virus by Aedes aegypti. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 85(4), 750-757.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Mayaro virus