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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
[Detection of West Nile virus in human samples: follow-up studies during the 2015 seasonal period]
Anna Nagy1, Orsolya Nagy1, Enikő Bán1
1Virológiai Főosztály, Országos Epidemiológiai Központ Budapest, Albert Flórián út 2-6., 1097.
Introduction:
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis is responsible for human infections in Hungary. Laboratory diagnosis is based on serological tests, however the application of molecular methods has been appreciated.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to investigate blood, cerebrospinal-fluid and urine samples of acutely ill patients and to follow-up PCR positive cases to ascertain the length of virus excretion.
Method:
Clinical specimens were examined by indirect-immunofluorescent, haemagglutination-inhibition, two PCR tests and Sanger-sequencing. Virus isolation in case of two patients was successful.
Results:
A follow-up study could be carried out in case of 5 patients. Viral nucleic acid was detectable in urine even for several weeks after symptom onset and viral RNA was present at higher concentration compared with other samples.
Conclusions:
PCR analysis of urine could provide useful epidemiological and diagnostic information. Therefore, it is recommended to collect urine samples in order to supplement the serological diagnosis. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(20): 791-796.

