Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii by real-time PCR

Molecular detection by real-time PCR of Coxiella burnetii.

Whole blood – minimum 0.5 mL, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – minimum 0.5 mL, biopsy tissue, powder.

Whole blood – EDTA tube; Tissue or CSF – submit in a sterile collection tube; powder – submit in a sterile 2 mL o-ring microcentrifuge tube

Store blood samples refrigerated until shipped for testing. Store tissue samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship whole blood at 4 degrees C; ship tissues on dry 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 C. burnetii infection

Completed Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, clinical history. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

Real-time PCR is performed using in-house differentiating molecular assays with 3 targets specific for C. burnetii. For confirmatory testing of a sample positive for C. burnetii by real-time PCR result, please contact the Rabies, Rickettsia and Related Zoonotic Diseases Laboratory at the National Microbiology Laboratory. 16S sequencing will be performed on all samples negative for C. burnetii by real-time PCR.

4 calendar days for a preliminary result and 14 calendar days for a final result.