Detection of Antibodies Directed Towards Snowshoe Hare Virus by PRNT

Serological detection of neutralizing antibodies directed towards snowshoe hare (SSH) virus by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).

• Encephalitis

Serum. Minimum volume of 250 µl required.

 2 mL screw cap tubes.

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet 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 California serogroup infection. Submitted samples will first be analysed by the Viral Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory by SSH & JC IgM ELISA to determine if the patient has developed anti-SSH/JC antibodies.  Samples that are reactive can be further analysed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies.  Samples that are ELISA non reactive (negative) will not be tested by PRNT.

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, and clinical and travel history of patient.

Initial screening serology such as JC ELISA must be reactive before samples will be considered for PRNT diagnostics. To demonstrate seroconversion, both acute and convalescent samples must be tested in parallel.

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.

14 calendar days after the completion of ELISA testing.

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

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – California Serogroup viruses

California Serogroup Guidelines
California Serogroup Guidelines.pdf