Molecular Detection by PCR

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in clinical specimens.

Whole blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients whose clinical condition suggests meningitis. Minimum volume of blood or CSF required is 1.0 mL.

Collect blood in EDTA tubes. AVOID HEPARIN. Collect CSF into sterile container without additives.

Blood – Keep refrigerated up to 5 days and ship on wet ice.

CSF – Keep frozen at -20°C and ship 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.

Appropriate clinical symptoms with known exposure to Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star) tick in Canada OR travel to eastern, southeastern or south-central United States.

Completed requisition for Tick-borne Disease Diagnostic Testing. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information and travel history.

THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

In-house conventional and real-time PCR assays. If amplicons are generated by conventional PCR, they are subjected to direct sequencing for identification.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased bacterial genome which will affect the outcome of PCR testing.

15 calendar days.

1. Loftis, A., D., Massung, R. F., Levin, M., L. 2003. Quantitative real-time PCR assay for detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 41(8):3870-3872.
2. Standaert, S.M., Yu, T., Scott, M.A., et al. 2000. Primary Isolation of Ehrlichia chaffeensis from patients with febrile illnesses: Clinical and molecular characteristics. J. Inf. Dis. 181:1082-1088.