title: Evaluation of a rapid analyte measurement platform for West Nile virus detection based on United States mosquito control programs.
abstract: The rapid analyte measurement platform (RAMP) system is an immunoassay test for West Nile virus (WNV) detection. Although reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology has been regarded as the gold standard for confirming WNV presence, usage of RAMP testing kits has increased in the past years. We collected RAMP test result data that were subsequently confirmed with RT-PCR methodology from mosquito control agencies to evaluate the efficacy of the RAMP testing. Results indicate that there are a high number of false positives (RAMP positive, RT-PCR negative) with RAMP testing. Correlation between RAMP unit values and RT-PCR cycle threshold values were varied depending on the primer/probe being compared. Comparison of RT-PCR results (on the same samples) between laboratories also indicates variation among the procedures and their potential to influence the RAMP testing efficacies. We discuss the potential issues and solutions that could prevent the high rate of false positives.
authors.affiliation: Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. banu@slcmad.org
authors.forename: Banugopan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kesavaraju
authors.forename: Ary
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farajollahi
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Lampman
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Nina M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Krasavin
authors.forename: Sonya E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Graves
authors.forename: Sammie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Dickson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014481:United States; D014901:West Nile Fever / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral