Detection of IgM Antibodies Directed Towards West Nile Virus by ELISA

Serological detection of IgM antibodies directed towards West Nile virus (WNV) by ELISA.

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 West Nile virus infection.

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, date of on-set of symptoms, and clinical and travel history of patient.

N/A

Microplate EIA. Due to the cross-reactive nature of flavivirus antibody, the detection of flavivirus IgG (Eg. Japanese encephalits, WNV, etc.) in a single sera is indicative of past or present exposure to this agent, or a related agent from the same virus genus. The presence of WNV specific IgM in a single serum sample is consistent with an acute infection to this agent (or a related flavivirus, note that flavivirus IgM serological procedures are more specific than IgG serology for this genera of arboviruses) and meets the criteria for a "probable case". However, a 4 fold rise or greater in neutralizing antibody titre, or an IgG or IgM seroconversion in paired sera, is required to document a "confirmed case" of infection with associated illness.

15 Calendar days.

1. Martin, D.A., Muth, D.A, Brown, T., Johnson, A.J., Karabatsos, N., and Roehrig, J.T. Standardization of immunoglobulin M capture enzyme-limked immunosorbent assays for routine diagnosis of arboviral infections. J. Clin. Micro. 2000; 38: 1823-1826.