title: [Polymerase chain reaction for rapid detection and serotyping of dengue virus in clinical samples].
abstract: This study describes the benefits of using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the rapid detection and typing of dengue virus in clinical samples. Twenty-seven serum specimens from patients with dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Colombia, Nicaragua, and Panama were directly subjected to RT-PCR for the detection of dengue virus. The resulting double-stranded DNA product was typed by a second round of PCR amplification (nested PCR) with type-specific primers, viral culture/indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and enzyme-linked electroimmunoassay for IgM anti-dengue antibodies. The amplified virus genome was detected and typed within 8 hours. Nested RT-PCR, using viral culture and IIF as the gold standard, showed 100% sensitivity; 78% specificity; 69% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. It is noteworthy that two of the specimens whose results were positive with nested RT-PCR and negative with viral culture showed specific IgM antibodies. The results of the RT-PCR were in close agreement with those obtained through viral culture. This suggests PCR can greatly facilitate the rapid and early diagnosis of dengue infection.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosario
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Díaz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vázquez
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Guzmán
mesh_terms: D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D009527:Nicaragua / Q000453:epidemiology; D010176:Panama / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012703:Serotyping; D019595:Severe Dengue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*