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Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
Published on: March 13, 2018
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Laboratory Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection
Marie Louise Landry, Kirsten St George1
1From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Dr Landry); and the Laboratory of Viral Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany (Dr St. George).
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|October 21, 2016
Summary
Accurate Zika virus testing remains a global challenge. Current antibody tests are unreliable due to cross-reactivity, while nucleic acid tests have limited utility for asymptomatic cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Rapid and accurate diagnosis of Zika virus infection is a critical international health priority.
- Limited laboratory capacity and reagent availability have historically hindered Zika virus testing.
- Serological cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses complicates accurate Zika diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current recommendations for Zika virus testing.
- To evaluate existing methods, limitations, and future priorities in Zika virus diagnostics.
- To highlight the need for improved diagnostic tools for Zika virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies.
- Analysis of public health recommendations and guidelines.
- Examination of laboratory procedures and expert testing experience.
Main Results:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) offer more specific detection of Zika virus RNA during acute infection.
- Commercial NAATs have received emergency use authorization, with testing recommended in serum, whole blood, and urine.
- NAATs have limited utility due to asymptomatic infections and the short window of viral shedding.
Conclusions:
- Development of accurate antibody tests is the most significant challenge for diagnosing recent Zika virus infection.
- Research is urgently needed to identify Zika virus epitopes that minimize cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses.
- International collaboration and public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing robust and widely applicable diagnostic tools.
