Detection of Antibodies Directed Towards Chikungunya Virus by PRNT

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

• Chikungunya fever

Serum. Minimum volume of 250 µl required.

2 mL screw cap tubes.

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

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.

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.

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 after the completion of Chikungunya virus ELISA testing.

1. WHO. 2007. Guidelines for plaque reduction neutralization testing of human antibodies to dengue viruses

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Chikungunya virus

For health professionals: Chikungunya

Chikungunya