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Molecular Detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus by Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Molecular detection of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus by reverse transcriptase PCR.  

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV)
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Specimen:

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.

Collection Method:

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

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on 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 infection with EEE virus.

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:

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. 

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

Reverse-transcriptase PCR. Identification of amplicons by direct sequencing. Isolation of an arbovirus, or detection of arboviral antigen or nucleic acid in a clinical specimen would constitute firm evidence of viral association with illness and provide "confirmed case" status.

Turnaround Time:

21 calendar days after date of receipt of specimen.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7037
Fax: (204) 789-2018
References:
  1. Armstrong, P.M., Prince, N., & Andreadis, T.G. (2012). Development of a multi-target TaqMan assay to detect Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus variants in mosquitoes. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 12(N10), 872-876.
  2. Hull, R., Nattanmai, S., Kramer, L.D., Bernard, K.A., Tavakoli, N.P. (2008). A duplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of St. Louis encephalitis and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 62(3), 272-279.                             
Guidelines:
Related Information: