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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
Published on: January 16, 2016
[Use of PCR in diagnosis of enteroviral infections]
M Sojka1, S Bopegamage, A Petrovicová
1Oddelenie virológie, Slovenská zdravotnícka univerzita, Bratislava. martin.sojka@szu.sk
Abstract:
Enteroviruses belonging to the family Picornaviridae are important human pathogens. Although most cases of infection caused by these viruses are asymptomatic, a wide range of clinical syndromes is observed in manifest cases. Conventional laboratory diagnostic methods based on virus isolation and identification, or on the detection of specific antiviral antibodies, are costly and time consuming. Therefore, they are of little benefit to treatment. We have implemented a commercially available PCR-based test for the detection of enteroviral infections. In 2008, we analyzed biological specimens from 125 patients with suspected enteroviral disease, most often involving the nervous system. The presence of enterovirus was detected in 39 patients. The results were compared with those obtained by the conventional methods. PCR appeared to be a valuable method for rapid, accurate and reliable diagnosis of enteroviral infections which is of major benefit to patient management.
Insights
A new PCR test rapidly and accurately detects enteroviral infections, aiding in timely patient management. This molecular diagnostic method offers significant benefits over traditional, slower laboratory techniques for enterovirus diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Enteroviruses (family Picornaviridae) are significant human pathogens causing diverse clinical syndromes.
- Conventional diagnostic methods (virus isolation, antibody detection) are slow and costly.
- Rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose:
- To evaluate a commercially available PCR-based test for enteroviral infection detection.
- To compare PCR results with conventional diagnostic methods.
- To assess the utility of PCR in diagnosing enteroviral diseases, particularly those affecting the nervous system.
Summary:
- A PCR-based assay was implemented to detect enteroviral infections in 125 patients with suspected disease in 2008.
- Enterovirus was detected in 39 patients using PCR.
- PCR demonstrated high accuracy and speed compared to conventional methods.
Impact:
- PCR offers a rapid, accurate, and reliable method for diagnosing enteroviral infections.
- This diagnostic benefit significantly improves patient management and treatment strategies.
- The study highlights the value of molecular diagnostics in clinical virology.
