The performance of RT-PCR compared with a rapid serological assay for acute dengue fever in a diagnostic laboratory.
The laboratory diagnosis of dengue has largely relied on serological assays, although many different RT-PCR protocols have been reported. Owing to its limited use, the value of RT-PCR in the clinical laboratory has not been fully evaluated. During the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Singapore in 2003, RT-PCR to detect dengue viral RNA was used as a rapid diagnostic tool to differentiate dengue from SARS among patients who presented to a hospital designated to manage and quarantine SARS cases. A total of 343 results for RT-PCR and 439 results for serology were analysed and compared with the final discharge diagnosis. Our experience indicates that RT-PCR for dengue can be set up rapidly in a clinical laboratory, with very sensitive and specific results for the diagnosis of dengue, particularly in the first 5 days from onset of symptoms.
Barkham
Timothy M
TM
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433 Singapore. timothy_barkham@ttsh.com.sg
Chung
Youne Kow
YK
Tang
Kin Fai
KF
Ooi
Eng Eong
EE
D003715:Dengue / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012846:Singapore
D012367:RNA, Viral