Isolation of Machupo virus

Isolation of the New World Arenaviruses (NWA): Machupo virus.

• Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Whole blood, serum, CSF, other bodily fluids (minimum sample 0.5 mL) and fresh frozen tissues.

Serum: Collect in serum (red top) or serum separator tubes (SST), centrifugation of serum tubes is not needed and should be avoided.

Whole blood: Collect in EDTA, heparin or citrate tubes, can submit as aliquots in sterile 1.5-2.0 mL screw cap tubes.

CSF and other bodily fluids:  Collect in sterile 1.5-2.0 mL screw cap tubes.

Tissues: Fresh frozen tissues should be placed in plastic containers.

Store samples in refrigerator or frozen until being shipped for testing.  Serum can be shipped refrigerated or frozen. Avoid freezing whole blood samples. Tissues should be shipped frozen. Ship frozen specimens on dry ice and refrigerated specimens on wet ice.

Shipping of samples suspected of containing Risk Group 4 pathogens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. If applicable, activate Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) 24 hours prior to shipping. To activate an ERAP, please click on the link below to access the transport flowchart for Risk Group 4 pathogens or call 204-999-7996 (available 24/7) for assistance.

Symptomatic and travel to New World Arenavirus endemic areas or contact to travellers from these areas.

Completed Special Pathogens requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient information including name or identifier, date of birth, and all relevant patient history including clinical diagnosis, underlying diseases, exposure risk and travel history. Indicate type of specimen collected and all specimen information. Select all required tests. If possible, attach lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories.

All patient history must be included; sample without adequate patient history to justify testing are subject to rejection. Contact Special Pathogens prior to submission of sample to ensure appropriate shipping documentation is generated.

Non-routine test for investigational purposes.

For diagnosis of New World Arenavirus infection to be confirmed, one or more of the following diagnostic markers must be positive: (i) presence of antibodies to New World Arenaviruses, (ii) presence of New World Arenavirus RNA by RT-PCR, and (iii) isolation of New World Arenavirus.

14 calendar days.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Machupo virus

National case definition: Viral hemorrhagic fever

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)