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Alphaviruses

A M Powers1, John T Roehrig

  • 1Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, Fort Collins, CO, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Alphaviruses are emerging mosquito-borne viruses causing significant human disease globally. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are now preferred for diagnosing alphavirus infections, complementing older methods.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Alphaviruses are globally distributed, mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogens responsible for significant human and animal health issues.
  • Diseases caused by alphaviruses range from severe encephalitis to debilitating polyarthritis, posing a constant threat worldwide.
  • The emergence and re-emergence of alphavirus outbreaks necessitate robust diagnostic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide standardized protocols for identifying alphaviruses in clinical specimens.
  • To detail methods for serological characterization of human alphavirus infections.
  • To highlight the evolving landscape of alphavirus diagnostics.

Main Methods:

  • Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are presented as the current gold standard for virus identification.
  • Virus isolation in cell culture and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assays using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are discussed as complementary techniques.
  • Detailed protocols for both molecular and serological analyses are provided.

Main Results:

  • NAATs are rapidly replacing older diagnostic methods for alphavirus identification due to their speed and specificity.
  • Virus isolation and IFA with MAbs remain valuable due to rapid viral growth and cost-effectiveness, respectively.
  • Standardized protocols enable accurate identification and confirmation of alphavirus infections.

Conclusions:

  • Both NAATs and traditional methods like IFA are crucial for comprehensive alphavirus diagnosis.
  • Accurate identification and characterization of alphaviruses are essential for managing outbreaks and public health.
  • The presented protocols support laboratory efforts in combating alphavirus threats.

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