Detection of Antibodies Directed Towards Dengue Virus by PRNT
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Reference Details
Serological detection of neutralizing antibodies directed towards dengue (DEN) virus by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
- Dengue fever
Serum. Minimum volume of 250 ml required.
Collect blood in serum separator tubes.
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 dengue virus infection and relevant travel history. Submitted samples will first be analysed by the Viral Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory by Dengue IgM/IgG ELISA to determine if the patient has developed anti-flavivirus antibodies. Samples that are reactive can be further analysed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Samples that are ELISA non reactive (negative) will not be tested by PRNT.
Completed Viral Zoonoses requisition including sender laboratory name, address and telephone number. Patient name and / or identifier (specimen reference number), date of birth, test(s) requested, collection date of specimen, date of on-set of symptoms, and clinical and travel history of patient.
This is not a routine test. Please contact the Viral Zoonoses Diagnostic Laboratory before sending specimens.
Antibodies directed towards members of the JE serocomplex viruses (Dengue, Saint Louis Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, etc.) can cross react significantly in some serological assays. The PRNT is a more specific assay and can be used to document the presence of serum antibodies specific for a particular flavivirus. Serum samples are incubated with virus and if viral neutralizing antibodies are present, they will bind to the dengue virus and prevent viral infection of cultural cells, and hence a reduction in the number of plaques detected. The neutralizing titre of a sample is expressed as the reciprocal of the serum dilution at which there is a 90% reduction in the number of plaques detected. If the patient has experienced more than one flavivirus infection, cross reactive results may yield uninterpretable results with this assay despite increased specificity.
14 calendar days after the completion of ELISA testing.
- WHO. 2007. Guidelines for plaque reduction neutralization testing of human antibodies to dengue viruses.