Molecular Detection by Real-Time PCR

Molecular detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi by real-time PCR.

• Scrub typhus

Whole blood – minimum 1.0 mL. Tissue – biopsy of eschar.  Swab – cutaneous swab of skin lesion after removal of eschar scab.

Whole blood – EDTA tube. Tissue or Swab – submit in a sterile collection tube.

Store blood samples refrigerated until shipped for testing. Store tissue samples frozen until shipped. Ship whole blood at 4°C and ship tissues frozen

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 Scrub Typhus infection; history of travel to an endemic region.

Completed Rickettsia and Related Zoonotic Diseases requisition including sender name, address and telephone number.  Patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, clinical history and symptom onset date. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

N/A

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.

Real-time PCR is performed using an assay specific forthe 47 kDa outer membrane protein gene of O. tsutsugamushi.

15 calendar days.

1. Jiang J, TC Chan, JJ Temenak, GA Dasch, WM Ching, AL Richards. Development of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for Orientia tsutsugamushi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004; 70(4): 351-356.