A naturally occurring mutation within the probe-binding region compromises a molecular-based West Nile virus surveillance assay for mosquito pools (Diptera: Culicidae).
A naturally occurring mutation was detected within the probe binding region targeting the envelope gene sequence of West Nile virus used in real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to test mosquito pools and other samples. A single C-->T transition 6nt from the 5' end of the 16mer in the envelope gene probe-binding region at genomic position 1,194 reduced assay sensitivity. The mutation first was detected in 2009 and persisted at a low prevalence into 2011. The mutation caused a 0.4% false negative error rate during 2011. These data emphasized the importance of confirmational testing and redundancy in surveillance systems relying on highly specific nucleic acid detection platforms.
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. abrault@cdc.gov
Aaron C
AC
Brault
Ying
Y
Fang
Maureen
M
Dannen
Michael
M
Anishchenko
William K
WK
Reisen
D000818:Animals; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D009033:Culicidae / Q000821:virology*; D015342:DNA Probes; D017354:Point Mutation; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D014709:Vero Cells; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification
D015342:DNA Probes; D012367:RNA, Viral