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Detection of Antibodies Directed Towards Chikungunya Virus by PRNT

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Serological detection of neutralizing antibodies directed towards Chikungunya virus by a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Test Category:
Serology
Pathogen:
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Chikungunya fever
Specimen:

Serum. Minimum volume of 250 µl required.

Collection Method:

2 mL screw cap tubes.

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store samples refrigerated until shipped for testing. Ship samples on cold pack, or with wet or dry ice.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

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.

Patient Criteria:

Suspected chikungunya virus infection and relevant travel history.

Accompanying Documentation:

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.

Comments:

Initial screening serology such as Chikungunya ELISA must be reactive before samples will be considered for PRNT diagnostics.

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

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

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.

 

Turnaround Time:

21 calendar days after the completion of Chikungunya virus ELISA testing.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7037
Fax: (204) 789-2018
References:
  1. WHO. 2007. Guidelines for plaque reduction neutralization testing of human antibodies to dengue viruses
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