Molecular Detection by Real-Time PCR

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Reference Details

Description:

Molecular detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi by real-time PCR.

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Orientia tsutsugamushi
Laboratory:
Rabies, Rickettsia and Related Zoonotic Diseases
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Scrub typhus
Specimen:
Whole blood – minimum 1.0 mL. Tissue – biopsy of eschar.  Swab – cutaneous swab of skin lesion after removal of eschar scab.
Collection Method:

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

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

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

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.

For additional guidance on the transport of infectious substances in other languages, please click on the link below.

http://www.who.int/ihr/capacity-strengthening/infectious-substances/en/

Patient Criteria:

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

Accompanying Documentation:

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. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

Comments:
N/A
Methods and Interpretation of Results:

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

Turnaround Time:

15 calendar days.

Contact:
Phone: (204) 789-7037
Fax: (204) 789-2140
Email: phac.nml.Rabies.Rickettsia-lnm.LaRage.Rickettsies.aspc@canada.ca
References:
  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.
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