title: Comparison of directigen RSV with viral isolation and direct immunofluorescence for the identification of respiratory syncytial virus.
abstract: An enzyme immunoassay membrane test (Directigen RSV) for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus in clinical specimens was compared prospectively with isolation in cell culture and direct immunofluorescence (IF). A total of 315 nasopharyngeal wash specimens from pediatric patients were examined. Directigen RSV was 86.1% sensitive and 91.3% specific for specimens positive by isolation in cell culture and/or IF, with 88.6% agreement. The false-positive rate was 16%; 2 of 20 specimens giving false-positive reactions by Directigen RSV were true-positives by blocking assay. Twenty-seven specimens (8.5%) whose results were initially uninterpretable by Directigen RSV due to filtration difficulties were diluted and upon retesting produced acceptable results. Sixty-three viral isolates and/or IF identifications of virus antigens representing seven virus groups other than respiratory syncytial virus were also found; cross-reactions between Directigen RSV and other viruses were not observed. Directigen RSV will be useful as an immediate procedure and in facilities lacking a comprehensive virology laboratory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190-3030.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Waner
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Whitehurst
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shalaby
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Wall
mesh_terms: D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000382:microbiology; D002460:Cell Line; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007223:Infant; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000382:microbiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies